Two men have been indicted on federal charges after allegedly igniting homemade bombs during a protest outside the Manhattan residence of Modern York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Authorities state the men were inspired by the Islamic State, according to a federal complaint unsealed Monday, March 9.
ISIS-Inspired Attack
Emir Balat, 18 and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, both of Pennsylvania, face charges of attempting to support ISIS and using a weapon of mass destruction. According to the complaint, Balat told investigators he desired an attack “even bigger” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured hundreds. Kayumi allegedly claimed affiliation with ISIS.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the incident is being investigated as an “act of ISIS-inspired terrorism.” The devices were ignited Saturday, March 7, as protesters and counterprotesters clashed during a rally organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang, titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.”
Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were not at Gracie Mansion at the time of the incident. He described the explosives as being made “to injure, maim, or worse.”
Investigation and Response
Investigators have located a third potential explosive device in a vehicle linked to Balat, and Kayumi. This discovery prompted evacuations of nearby buildings while the NYPD used a robot to secure the scene. The FBI raided Balat’s home in Middletown Township, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, March 8.
According to statements made during and after their arrests, Balat reportedly said, “This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet. We grab action… If I didn’t do it someone else will come and do it.” He later wrote a message declaring, “I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic state. Die in your rage, you kufar.” Kayumi allegedly responded to a question about his motives by saying, “ISIS.”
School District Statements
Balat is a senior at Neshaminy High School, while Kayumi is a 2024 graduate of Council Rock North High School. Both school districts have stated they are cooperating with law enforcement and currently see no indication of a threat to their schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges are Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi facing?
Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi have been indicted on federal charges of attempting to support ISIS and use of a weapon of mass destruction, records show.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident took place during a protest outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on Saturday, March 7.
Was Mayor Mamdani present during the incident?
No, Mayor Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were not at Gracie Mansion at the time of the incident.
As investigations continue, what role, if any, social media and online radicalization played in influencing these individuals remains a critical question for authorities.