ISIS-Inspired Attack Near NYC Mayor Mamdani’s Residence: Two Charged

Two Pennsylvania men have been charged with federal crimes after allegedly igniting homemade bombs during a protest near the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The incident, which occurred Saturday, March 7, 2026, is being investigated as an act of “ISIS-inspired terrorism,” according to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Charges Filed Against Suspects

Emir Balat, 18, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, face five counts, including attempted support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS), employ of a weapon of mass destruction, and transportation of explosive material [CBS News]. Both men were indicted on Monday, March 9, 2026 [USA Today].

Details of the Incident

The incident took place during a protest and counter-protest near Gracie Mansion. Authorities say Balat and Kayumi ignited improvised explosive devices (IEDs). One device contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile homemade explosive [USA Today]. Fortunately, none of the devices detonated, and no injuries were reported.

Suspects’ Alleged Motives and Statements

Both Balat and Kayumi allegedly admitted to being inspired by ISIS [CBS News]. Balat reportedly expressed a desire to carry out an attack even larger than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, stating it resulted in “only three deaths” [CBS News]. Kayumi allegedly told police he had watched ISIS propaganda on his phone [CBS News] and [USA Today]. Balat similarly allegedly wrote a statement declaring his allegiance to the Islamic State [CBS News].

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The NYPD and FBI conducted “controlled detonations” of the IEDs, revealing a significant explosion potential [CNN]. Authorities found a hobby fuse, an empty metal can, and a notebook with handwritten chemical ingredients in the vehicle the suspects used to travel from New Jersey [CNN].

Attorneys for Balat requested protective custody for their client at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, citing concerns for his safety [CNN]. Balat is a senior in high school, three classes away from graduation [CNN].

Official Statements

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that he and his wife were not at Gracie Mansion during the incident, having been at a museum in Brooklyn [USA Today]. He condemned the suspects’ actions and emphasized the city’s commitment to safety, and tolerance. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi affirmed that law enforcement would remain vigilant against ISIS’s ideology [CBS News].

The protest near Gracie Mansion was organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang, titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,” and drew approximately 20 participants, while the counter-protest attracted around 125 demonstrators [USA Today].