Two men from Pennsylvania are facing federal terrorism charges after authorities say they carried out an ISIS-inspired attack outside the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The suspects, identified as 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested Saturday near Gracie Mansion after allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices toward protesters gathered outside the residence.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the attack appeared to be driven by extremist ideology and influenced by the terrorist group Islamic State. Officials said both suspects admitted their actions were tied to ISIS. Investigators claim Kayumi told them he had watched ISIS propaganda videos that inspired him. Balat allegedly went further, writing a pledge of allegiance to the group while in custody and telling investigators he hoped to carry out an attack larger than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Federal prosecutors announced multiple charges Monday, including attempted support of a foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction. Additional charges involve transporting explosive materials and unlawful possession of destructive devices. Authorities said the homemade explosives were built using sports drink bottles placed inside glass jars and packed with nuts and bolts for fragmentation. Investigators believe at least one device contained the volatile explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP). The case is now being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force as the investigation continues.
