ISIS-Inspired Attack Foiled Near Gracie Mansion in New York City
Two individuals, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, have been charged with attempting to detonate explosive devices in the vicinity of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani. The Department of Justice announced the charges on Monday, March 9, 2026, stating the incident was an alleged act of terrorism inspired by ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization [Source: Department of Justice].
Details of the Attempted Attack
The incident occurred during counterprotests against an anti-Islam demonstration led by far-right activist Jake Lang. According to authorities, Balat and Kayumi hurled homemade devices filled with shrapnel – nuts, bolts, and screws – at officers, though the devices failed to detonate [Source: ABC7].
Kayumi reportedly exclaimed “ISIS” upon his arrest, and Balat later admitted to pledging allegiance to the extremist group [Source: ABC7]. When questioned about the scale of his intended impact, Balat allegedly stated he aimed to exceed the carnage of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing [Source: ABC7].
Official Responses
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing ISIS’s ideology from threatening the nation [Source: Department of Justice]. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the law enforcement officers who apprehended the suspects and disarmed the explosives, stating the Department of Justice will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law [Source: Department of Justice]. FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the FBI’s zero tolerance for terrorist organizations and their supporters [Source: Department of Justice].
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was not at Gracie Mansion during the incident, condemned the attempted attack, stating the suspects traveled from Pennsylvania with the intention of inflicting violence on the city [Source: ABC7]. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced a “heightened state of alert” and increased counterterrorism resources, including heavy weapons teams and canine units [Source: ABC7].
Related Arrest
Separately, an individual participating in the anti-Islam protest was arrested for pepper-spraying counter-protesters [Source: ABC7].