Federal investigators say an alleged ISIS-inspired bomb plot outside the New York City Mayor's home could have turned deadly when two Pennsylvania teens reportedly attempted to detonate improvised devices during a protest.
Authorities arrested Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, and they were charged with multiple federal terrorism offences after allegedly bringing homemade bombs to a demonstration near Gracie Mansion, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani's official residence, according to law enforcement.
The attempted attack unfolded during a standoff between far-right influencer Jake Lang's anti-Islamic protest, which called to 'Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,' and a larger group of counter-protesters calling to 'Run Nazis Out of New York City' outside the Upper East Side mansion.
Balat Allegedly Wanted Attack 'Bigger' Than Boston Marathon Bombing
According to court documents, Balat told investigators that he wanted to stage a bigger attack than the Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people in 2013. Authorities say he allegedly flung one of the IEDs toward a crowd of protesters before seizing another from Kayumi and then attempting to leave the scene, per People.
Both devices failed to detonate, which prevented injuries. A third device was later recovered from a nearby vehicle. Preliminary testing found at least one device contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a 'highly volatile explosive material' often referred to as the 'Mother of Satan,' used in terrorist attacks because of its instability and destructive potential.
JUST IN: According to the federal criminal complaint, after Emir Balat was arrested he pledged allegiance to ISIS:
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 9, 2026
“All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar!…this isn’t a religion that just… https://t.co/C1SnzHqgGX pic.twitter.com/1HnzzFDOxN
NYPD's deputy chief in charge of counterterrorism, Rebecca Weiner said of the IEDs and their potential to wreak havoc, 'Had these IEDs functioned the way the perpetrators allegedly wanted them to, they could have caused death, destruction.' She emphasised in a press conference that the devices went through a controlled detonation after the incident.
Alleged ISIS Inspiration
Federal investigators say the suspects expressed support for the Islamic State during and after their arrests. Kayumi reportedly shouted 'ISIS' as he was taken into custody and even reiterated his connection with ISIS at the precinct, while Balat later told authorities by writing on paper that he had pledged allegiance to the extremist group.
'Balat and Kayumi sought to incite fear and mass suffering through this alleged attempted terror attack in the backyard of an elected city official,' James Barnacle, head of the FBI New York, stated during a news conference, per Bucks County Beacon.
The suspects remain in federal custody without bail following a Monday court appearance on charges including attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation and using a weapon of mass destruction. Their attorneys did not argue for bail at the initial hearing, although they could request it at a later stage in the case.
The defendants remained silent in court as the judge read portions of the complaint alleging they acted in support of the Islamic State. Kayumi flashed a grin towards Balat, while Balat fixed his gaze forward at his lawyers.
🚨 Authorities say bombing suspect Emir Balat pledged allegiance to ISIS after the attack near a protest in NYC, according to reporting cited by Bil lMeluginpic.twitter.com/D7NykXQxsY
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) March 9, 2026
Mehdi Essmidi, Balat's legal counsel, said after the hearing that his client is a high school senior dealing with personal challenges. 'There's a lot to figure out,' he added. On whether he views Balat as a terrorist, Essmidi said, 'I believe he's 18 and he doesn't have any idea what he's doing.'
Authorities said the attack does not appear linked to the war in Iran. An automated license plate reader tracked the defendants entering NYC from New Jersey less than an hour before the incident, while Kayumi's mother had reported him missing. Their vehicle was found nearby on Sunday with a fuse, a metal can, and a list of chemicals for explosives.
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