Radical Muslims Charged in Alleged ISIS-Inspired Bomb Plot Outside NYC Mayor's Residence

ISIS TIES

Two teenagers from Bucks County, Pennsylvania — 18-year-old Emir Balat of Langhorne and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi of Newtown — have been federally indicted following an attempted terrorist attack during protests outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The suspects allegedly traveled from Bucks County to Manhattan on Saturday, March 7, where they ignited and hurled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) containing TATP (triacetone triperoxide) — a highly volatile homemade explosive favored by ISIS — into a crowd amid dueling demonstrations. One protest, organized by far-right activist Jake Lang, was titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer,” while a larger counter-protest opposed the event.

TERRORISM

According to the federal complaint unsealed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, Balat lit and threw Device-1 toward the gathered protesters around 12:15 p.m., then grabbed a second device from Kayumi before dropping it while fleeing. NYPD bomb technicians confirmed the devices were capable of causing serious injury or death, though they failed to fully detonate, producing smoke and flames instead. A third suspicious device was recovered from a nearby vehicle, consistent with the suspects.

Both men were arrested on the scene by NYPD officers. In statements to law enforcement, they reportedly expressed allegiance to ISIS (Islamic State), with the incident investigated as self-radicalized, ISIS-inspired terrorism. Balat allegedly admitted the intent was to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing," noting the 2013 attack caused only three deaths — a chilling detail underscoring the potential lethality.

Federal charges against Balat and Kayumi include:

Attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS)

Use of a weapon of mass destruction

Transportation of explosive materials

Interstate transportation and receipt of explosives

Unlawful possession of destructive devices

The pair appeared in federal court in Manhattan on Monday and are being held without bail. FBI raids were conducted at their Pennsylvania homes, and the investigation remains ongoing.

ZOHRAN RESPONSE

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City's first Muslim mayor, was not at Gracie Mansion with his wife at the time. In a statement, he condemned the act as a "heinous act of terrorism" and praised swift law enforcement response. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described it as an "act of ISIS-inspired terrorism," stressing that violence is not protected speech or protest.

This incident highlights the persistent threat of homegrown radicalization, even as U.S. forces dismantle ISIS-linked capabilities abroad under Operation Epic Fury. No ties to the ongoing Iran conflict have been identified.

Justice is being pursued aggressively — zero tolerance for jihadist threats on American soil. America First security remains paramount.