Federally Charged: Pennsylvania Men Accused in ISIS-Inspired IED Attack Near Gracie Mansion
Two men from Pennsylvania, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, have been federally charged following an incident on Saturday, March 7, involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The incident occurred amidst clashing protests. Authorities are investigating the event as an act of terrorism allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group, with both suspects reportedly making statements to law enforcement affirming this inspiration and discussing intentions for a large-scale attack. Neither device fully detonated, and no injuries were reported.
This incident marks the first instance of IEDs targeting residents in New York City in nearly a decade, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who confirmed the investigation as "ISIS-inspired terrorism."
Incident Unfolds Near Gracie Mansion
On Saturday, March 7, an anti-Islam demonstration, organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang, took place near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The protest, titled "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City," drew approximately 20 participants. Simultaneously, a larger counter-protest, with about 125 participants, gathered under banners such as "Run the Nazis Out of New York City/Stand Against Hate."
Tensions escalated, leading to several arrests for minor offenses. At approximately 12:15 p.m., Ian McGinnis, 21, of Philadelphia, was arrested and later charged with assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of noxious material after allegedly using pepper spray on counter-protesters. Three other individuals were arrested for disorderly conduct and obstruction but were subsequently released without charges.
Around 12:30 p.m., Emir Balat, identified as a counter-protester, allegedly lit and threw an ignited device (referred to as Device-1). Witnesses observed flames and smoke. The device reportedly struck a barrier and extinguished near police officers, without fully detonating. A video from the scene captured a man yelling "Allahu Akbar," though the shouter's identity remains unconfirmed. Balat then reportedly obtained a second device (Device-2) from Ibrahim Kayumi, lit it, and dropped it in the street, where it emitted smoke but also did not fully detonate.
Following these events, Balat and Kayumi were apprehended by law enforcement. Sources conflict on whether Mayor Mamdani was present at Gracie Mansion during the incident, with some reporting he was not home and others stating he was inside. No injuries were reported from the device incidents.
Explosive Devices and Expanding Investigation
The recovered devices were described as approximately the size of mason jars, wrapped in tape, and containing nuts, bolts, screws, and a hobby fuse. Preliminary analysis confirmed Device-1 contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile primary explosive. Controlled detonations by bomb technicians demonstrated the potential for severe harm. Device-2 did not detonate fully.
Preliminary analysis determined the recovered devices were indeed IEDs, not hoaxes or smoke bombs, and were capable of causing serious injury or death, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, in collaboration with the NYPD, is leading the investigation, treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
On Sunday, March 8, a third suspicious device was discovered inside a vehicle on East End Avenue, approximately three blocks south of Gracie Mansion. The vehicle was reportedly registered to a Balat family member. This device later tested negative for explosive material. Inside the vehicle, authorities found items consistent with bomb-making, including a coiled green material resembling hobby fuse, an empty metal can, and a notebook listing "TATP explosive" with chemical ingredients.
On Tuesday, March 10, the FBI announced the discovery of explosive residue in a Pennsylvania storage unit near Balat's family home in Langhorne, Bucks County. Controlled detonations were conducted at the storage facility, with authorities stating there was no danger to residents. Later the same day, another suspicious device was reported near Gracie Mansion in Carl Schurz Park but was determined to be non-threatening by the NYPD.
Suspects Identified, ISIS Inspiration Alleged
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, are both residents of Pennsylvania. Balat, a high school senior at Neshaminy High School, had been enrolled in a virtual learning program since September. Kayumi, who graduated from Council Rock High School North in 2024, was enrolled part-time at Bucks County Community College but withdrew by March 9. Neither suspect had a prior criminal history. The nature of their relationship prior to the incident remains under investigation, with Balat's attorney suggesting they may not have known each other for an extended period.
According to court complaints and statements to law enforcement, both men expressed inspiration from the Islamic State group. Kayumi reportedly blurted out "ISIS" during his arrest and later admitted to watching ISIS propaganda. Balat allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and, when questioned about aiming for something similar to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, reportedly replied, "No, even bigger. It was only three deaths."
Authorities state the suspects considered "soft targets" like shopping centers and had been planning an attack for at least a week, based on evidence from a recovered notebook.
Investigators also confirmed that on March 2, five days prior to the incident, Balat purchased a 20-foot roll of safety fuse from a Phantom Fireworks store in Penndel, Pennsylvania. Kayumi was not present during this purchase. Automated license plate readers documented Balat and Kayumi entering New York City from New Jersey approximately an hour before the incident. Officials have noted awareness of recent international travel by Balat and Kayumi.
Federal Charges Filed
On Monday, March 9, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were formally charged in federal court and are being held without bail. The charges against them include:
- Attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (maximum 20 years in prison).
- Use of a weapon of mass destruction (maximum life in prison).
- Transportation of explosive materials (maximum 10 years in prison).
- Interstate transportation and receipt of explosives (maximum 10 years in prison).
- Unlawful possession of destructive devices (maximum 10 years in prison).
Attorneys representing Balat and Kayumi have indicated intentions to contest the charges, and a plea has not yet been entered.
Officials Condemn Attack, City on High Alert
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that preliminary analysis determined the devices were IEDs capable of causing serious injury or death, not hoaxes or smoke bombs. She indicated that the attack was planned and motivated by extremist ideology inspired by a foreign terrorist organization, confirming the investigation as "ISIS-inspired terrorism." Commissioner Tisch noted this was the first instance of IEDs targeting residents in New York City in nearly a decade. She clarified that there are no indications linking the alleged attack to the conflict in Iran.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City's first Muslim mayor, condemned both the anti-Islam protest organized by Jake Lang—which he characterized as rooted in bigotry—and the subsequent use of explosive devices. He affirmed the right to peaceful protest but reiterated that New York City would not tolerate violence from protests or counter-protests. Mayor Mamdani thanked law enforcement for their swift response.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi also denounced the actions, emphasizing that ISIS's ideology would not be tolerated. Officials from the Department of Justice and FBI highlighted the alleged intent to cause fear, mass suffering, and potential deaths or serious injuries due to the inclusion of metal shrapnel.
New York City remains in a heightened state of alert, with increased counterterrorism resources deployed across the city, including heavy weapons teams and canine units. The National Guard has also been deployed to protect critical transit sites.