Two Men Charged Over Attempted Bomb Attack Outside New York Mayor’s Home
Two young men have been charged with terrorism-related offences after authorities said they attempted to carry out a bomb attack during a protest outside the residence of Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City.
Police said the suspects, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were arrested after allegedly trying to detonate explosive devices near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the city’s mayor.
Authorities believe the pair were motivated by extremist ideology linked to Islamic State (ISIS), according to investigators.
Explosive Devices Found at Protest Site
The incident occurred during a demonstration outside the mayor’s residence. Police said two explosive devices were ignited but failed to detonate properly, preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.
Officers later discovered a third explosive device inside a vehicle connected to the suspects.
According to investigators, the devices were improvised explosives made using glass bottles filled with explosive materials and surrounded by metal fragments such as nuts and bolts to increase potential damage.
Police Say Suspects Were Inspired by ISIS
During a news briefing, Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the New York City Police Department, said the two suspects allegedly admitted they had been influenced by extremist propaganda linked to ISIS.
Officials said the suspects had reportedly watched online propaganda videos and expressed support for the militant group.
Investigators also stated that the suspects had no previous criminal records prior to the incident.
Attack Could Have Caused Major Casualties
Authorities said the explosives contained triacetone triperoxide, a highly unstable homemade explosive often associated with terrorist attacks.
Police officials warned that devices made with this substance can cause significant casualties if detonated in crowded areas.
“Devices like these have the potential to cause devastating harm,” Tisch said, adding that the failure of the bombs to explode likely prevented injuries or deaths.
Suspects Allegedly Wanted Larger Attack
According to police, one of the suspects reportedly told investigators that the attack was intended to be even larger than the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, which killed three people and injured hundreds.
Authorities said such statements highlighted the seriousness of the alleged plot and the extremist motivation behind it.
Protest Turns Chaotic
The attempted attack took place during an anti-Islam protest outside the mayor’s residence.
Officials said the demonstration was organized by Jake Lang, a controversial far-right activist linked to the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
The protest was met by a larger counter-demonstration, leading to tense confrontations between the two groups.
Video footage from the scene reportedly showed one of the suspects lighting an explosive device before being quickly detained by police officers.
Mayor Condemns Violence
Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the incident, stating that violence has no place in public demonstrations.
He described the attempted use of explosive devices during a protest as “deeply disturbing” and emphasized that such actions threaten public safety and democratic freedoms.
Federal and Local Authorities Investigating
The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that the suspicious items recovered were improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The agency’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is working with local authorities to investigate the case.
Officials said investigators are reviewing video footage, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing probe.
Additional Arrests Made
Police also arrested Ian McGuiness, 21, who allegedly used pepper spray during clashes with counter-protesters. He and three others were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction.
Heightened Security in New York
Authorities said security measures remain heightened across New York City due to global tensions and ongoing security concerns.
Police praised officers who quickly intervened during the incident, saying their rapid response likely prevented a dangerous situation from escalating further.
Investigations into the attempted attack are continuing.
