Federal authorities in New York have charged Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi with attempting to detonate explosive devices near Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence at Gracie Mansion. The suspects face multiple counts, including providing material support to a designated terrorist organization, using a weapon of mass destruction, and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
According to a sealed FBI complaint, Balat and Kayumi attempted to deploy improvised explosive devices during a protest and counter-protest on March 7. One of the devices tested positive for triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile explosive previously used in terrorist attacks. Authorities also recovered handwritten notes and additional materials from a vehicle linked to the defendants.
The complaint details statements made by both men indicating allegiance to ISIS. Kayumi reportedly responded “ISIS” when asked why he acted, while Balat wrote that he “pledge[d] allegiance to the Islamic State” and expressed intentions to carry out an attack larger than the Boston Marathon bombing.
Mayor Mamdani emphasized the seriousness of the charges, releasing a statement in response to the federal indictments: “Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi have been charged with committing a heinous act of terrorism and proclaiming their allegiance to ISIS. They should be held fully accountable for their actions. We will continue to keep New Yorkers safe. We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city.”
At a press briefing, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the devices as “incredibly dangerous” and praised officers for their rapid response, noting the coordination between the NYPD and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton added that the defendants’ alleged actions represent a planned, ideology-driven attack and highlighted the ongoing investigation into potential leads.
In a press release issued by SDNY, federal officials emphasized the ISIS connection and the potential danger of the attack. Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the incident an “ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens” and praised law enforcement for their vigilance.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche noted that the defendants “allegedly sought to inflict mass casualties in service to ISIS” and praised law enforcement for quickly disarming the explosives before anyone was harmed.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle, Jr. stated that Balat and Kayumi, “inspired by ISIS,” attempted to deploy explosive devices into a crowd to spread fear, emphasizing that the FBI and NYPD “will not tolerate those who use violence against targets in New York City.”
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact the FBI. The charges mark the next stage in the legal process following the arrests of Balat and Kayumi, who remain in custody pending trial.
