ISIS-Inspired Bombing Attempt Near NYC Mayor’s Residence
Two Pennsylvania teenagers have been charged with federal crimes after allegedly attempting an ISIS-inspired attack outside the residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The incident occurred during a clash between anti-Islam demonstrators and counterprotesters on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
What Happened?
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, are accused of throwing homemade explosive devices at protesters near Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence. According to authorities, neither device detonated, and no injuries were reported. The pair drove to Manhattan from Pennsylvania, parking a few blocks from Gracie Mansion before joining the crowd NBC News.
Police discovered a third device in a vehicle near the scene, though it did not contain explosive material. The devices thrown at the protest were smaller than a football, consisting of jars wrapped in black tape filled with nuts, bolts, and screws, and a hobby fuse NBC News.
The Charges
Balat and Kayumi face five federal charges, including attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, use of a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials, interstate transportation and receipt of explosives, and unlawful possession of destructive devices NYC.gov.
Alleged Motives and Statements
Authorities state that both suspects proclaimed allegiance to ISIS. Body-camera footage from NYPD officers showed Kayumi responding “ISIS” when asked why he committed the act CNN. Balat allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in writing while in custody and indicated he intended to carry out an attack even larger than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, stating, “No, even bigger” CBS News.
Balat also reportedly said, “This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the Prophet. We capture action. We take action.” and “If I didn’t do it, someone else will come and do it” CNN.
Investigation and Background
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting the NYPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York with the investigation CBS News. FBI agents raided the homes of both suspects in Bucks County, Pennsylvania NBC News.
Both Balat and Kayumi are first-generation Americans; Balat’s parents were born in Turkey and Kayumi’s parents are originally from Afghanistan NBC News.
Response from Officials
Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the demonstration as “vile” and “rooted in white supremacy” but affirmed his commitment to defending the right to protest, even when the views expressed are abhorrent NYC.gov. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated there is no place for violence in the state and those responsible will be held accountable.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated the attack was a planned act motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization CNN.