NYC Bomb Plot: Pennsylvania Men Charged in ISIS-Inspired Attack Near Mayor Mamdani’s Residence

Two Pennsylvania men have been charged with federal crimes in connection with an attempted explosives attack targeting a protest outside the official residence of Modern York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The incident, which occurred Saturday, March 7, 2026, is being investigated as an act of “ISIS-inspired terrorism” by the NYPD and the FBI.

Suspects Identified and Charged

Emir Balat, 18, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, also from Pennsylvania, are accused of throwing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at protesters during a demonstration near Gracie Mansion. Both suspects are in custody and have been charged with five counts, including attempted support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS), use of a weapon of mass destruction, and transportation of explosive material, according to the Southern District of New York indictment.

Details of the Attack

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the devices thrown by Balat and Kayumi were not hoaxes, but rather functional IEDs capable of causing serious injury or death . The attack occurred during a protest organized by far-right activist Jake Lang, who has been a vocal critic of Mayor Mamdani, and was met by a larger counter-protest group.

Suspects’ Allegations and Statements

According to Tisch, both Balat and Kayumi admitted to being inspired by ISIS. Balat reportedly told investigators he desired a larger-scale attack, even surpassing the Boston Marathon bombing in scope, noting the Boston attack resulted in “only three deaths.” Kayumi allegedly watched ISIS propaganda on his phone and declared his allegiance to the Islamic State in a written statement while waiving his Miranda rights .

Investigation and Evidence

The FBI conducted court-authorized searches in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, including a search of a storage facility in Langhorne, in connection with the terrorism case. One of the explosives was reportedly dubbed the “Mother of Satan” and contained triacetone triperoxide, a volatile explosive used in previous terrorist attacks . Law enforcement responded to both Balat’s and Kayumi’s residences on Sunday, with tactical teams present at both locations.

Background on the Protest

The initial protest near Gracie Mansion was organized by individuals associated with Jake Lang, a pardoned January 6th rioter and far-right influencer. The protest, titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,” drew a counter-protest, “Run the Nazis Out of New York City/Stand Against Hate,” which attracted a significantly larger crowd. During the incident, a man was recorded yelling “Allahu Akbar” as Balat threw one of the devices, though it remains unclear who shouted the phrase .

Additional Arrest

Ian McGinnis, 21, of Philadelphia, was also charged with assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of a noxious material (pepper spray) for allegedly using pepper spray on counter-protesters during the demonstration.

Official Response

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “This was an alleged ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens. We will not allow ISIS’s poisonous, anti-American ideology to threaten this nation.”