Two men charged after NYC mayor bomb attack

Published: 10 March 2026 The English Chronicle Desk The English Chronicle Online — World News

New York City has been shaken by a foiled terror attack outside the mayor’s official residence, Gracie Mansion, after two young men allegedly attempted to detonate homemade bombs during a protest. Authorities say the suspects, 18‑year‑old Emir Balat and 19‑year‑old Ibrahim Kayumi, were inspired by Islamic State propaganda and had hoped to stage an attack “even larger” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

The incident unfolded on Saturday evening during an anti‑Islam protest organised by far‑right activist Jake Lang, a pardoned January 6 rioter. Counter‑protesters outnumbered the demonstrators, and tensions escalated outside the mayor’s home. Amid the clashes, Balat was seen igniting a device and throwing it toward a barrier. The explosive failed to detonate, extinguishing itself on impact. Moments later, he attempted to light a second device handed to him by Kayumi, but dropped it as police moved in.

Authorities later discovered a third bomb inside the suspects’ car parked nearby. All three devices were confirmed to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs) made with triacetone triperoxide (TATP) — a volatile homemade explosive used in previous terror attacks. The bombs were packed with nuts and bolts to maximise fragmentation, according to police.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised officers who intervened “without hesitation and without regard for their own safety.” She said the suspects admitted to being inspired by IS propaganda videos and had pledged allegiance to the group.

“We were fortunate that the devices used this weekend did not cause the kind of harm they were certainly capable of causing,” Tisch said. “But luck is never a strategy. Devices like these have the potential to cause devastating harm.”

Balat reportedly told officers during transport: “If I didn’t do it, someone else will come and do it.” He later allegedly said he hoped the attack would be “even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing,” which killed three people and injured hundreds in 2013.

Both men waived their right to remain silent after arrest. Court documents show Balat wrote a note pledging allegiance to IS and calling for the death of “nonbelievers.” Kayumi admitted to watching IS propaganda on his phone and said he was partly inspired by the group to carry out the attack.

On Monday, Balat and Kayumi appeared in federal court wearing prison jumpsuits. A magistrate judge ordered them detained until their next hearing on 8 April. They face charges including attempting to provide material support to IS and using a weapon of mass destruction.

Balat’s lawyer described him as a high school senior with “complicated stuff going on” in his personal life, noting that he had no prior arrests. The BBC reported that both defence teams declined further comment pending trial.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attempted attack, saying the suspects “should be held fully accountable for their actions.” He added: “We will continue to keep New Yorkers safe. We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city.”

Mamdani, who was at home during the incident, thanked police and federal agents for their swift response. He emphasised that the city remains on high alert due to the ongoing US‑Israel war in Iran, which has heightened fears of extremist violence.

Police also arrested Ian McGuiness, 21, for allegedly using pepper spray on counter‑protesters. He and three others were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction.

The FBI confirmed that its Joint Terrorism Task Force is conducting interviews, reviewing video evidence, and pursuing leads. Investigators are analysing the explosives and tracing the suspects’ online activity to determine whether others were involved.

Experts say TATP, the explosive found in the devices, is notoriously unstable and has been used in attacks across Europe and the Middle East. Its volatility makes it difficult to handle safely, but also attractive to extremists because it can be made with readily available chemicals.

Commissioner Tisch warned that the bombs could have caused mass casualties had they detonated as intended. “We are talking about devices capable of killing dozens and injuring many more,” she said.

The attempted attack has rattled New Yorkers, particularly given its location outside the mayor’s residence. Residents expressed relief that the devices failed but voiced concern about rising extremism.

One witness told CBS News: “It was terrifying. We saw him light something and throw it, and then suddenly police were everywhere. Thank God it didn’t go off.”

Community leaders have urged calm, stressing that the city’s diverse communities must not be divided by extremist violence.

The arrests come amid heightened tensions worldwide. The US‑Israel war in Iran has fuelled extremist propaganda online, with groups like IS attempting to exploit unrest. Security officials say they are monitoring potential threats closely, particularly in major cities like New York.

The FBI has warned of increased chatter among extremist networks, though there is no evidence that Balat and Kayumi were part of a larger cell. Investigators believe they acted independently but were radicalised online.

The case will now proceed through federal court, with prosecutors expected to present evidence of the suspects’ IS affiliations and their intent to cause mass casualties. If convicted, they face lengthy prison sentences.

For New York, the incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism, even years after the height of IS activity. Authorities say vigilance remains essential, and that Saturday’s events underscore the importance of rapid police response and community awareness.

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