Two men have been charged with terrorism-related offenses after allegedly attempting to detonate homemade explosives outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence in an attack reportedly inspired by the Islamic State (IS).
The suspects, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, told authorities they intended the attack to be “even larger” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured hundreds.
Police say the men tried to detonate two bombs outside Gracie Mansion, while a third device was found in their vehicle. None of the explosives went off. Video footage shows one suspect being detained moments after attempting to ignite a device.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said both suspects admitted to being influenced by IS and had watched extremist propaganda videos. Neither had prior criminal records. They face charges including attempting to provide material support to IS and using a weapon of mass destruction.
Tisch described the explosives as triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile homemade material used in previous terror attacks, capable of causing significant casualties.
During Monday’s first court appearance, the suspects, wearing prison jumpsuits, were ordered to remain in custody until their next hearing on April 8. Court records indicate both waived their right to remain silent. Balat reportedly wrote a note pledging allegiance to IS and calling for the death of nonbelievers, while Kayumi admitted to IS affiliation and cited propaganda videos as motivation.
Mayor Mamdani said, “They should be held fully accountable for their actions. We will continue to keep New Yorkers safe and will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city.”
Tisch praised two officers who intervened during the attempted attack “without hesitation,” preventing potential casualties. She also highlighted the heightened vigilance of the NYPD amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict in Iran.
