Two Philadelphia-area teens charged in ISIS-inspired bomb attack outside NYC mayor's residence
Federal prosecutors charged Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, with terrorism offenses after they allegedly threw improvised explosive devices at an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion on Saturday.
March 10, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Two teenagers from Philadelphia suburbs have been arraigned on federal terrorism charges following an attack involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on Saturday.
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, allegedly threw two explosive devices toward a gathering during a stand-off between approximately 20 anti-Islam protesters and roughly 125 anti-fascist counterprotesters. The anti-Islam protest was organized by far-right agitator Jake Lang, a white Christian nationalist previously jailed for his participation in the January 6 Capitol riot. The protest focused on what organizers characterized as the "Islamification of New York and America." Mayor Mamdani, the first Muslim elected to the office, was not home at the time of the incident.
According to federal authorities, the two devices that ignited were "real and potentially lethal." Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the devices contained explosive materials, including TATP, a highly volatile substance used in past terrorist attacks. Video evidence referenced in the federal criminal complaint allegedly shows the two suspects throwing the devices toward the protest area.
Investigators are examining whether the attack was ISIS-inspired. According to federal prosecutors, Balat allegedly told police after his arrest: "This isn't a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet. We take action. If I didn't do it, someone else will come and do it." Both suspects allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS following their arrests, authorities said.
The federal complaint includes a five-count charge against the pair. Prosecutors revealed that the two teens hoped their attack would exceed the lethality of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, according to statements made to federal investigators. Authorities are continuing to determine whether the suspects acted alone in planning and executing the attack.