Two teenagers from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are facing federal terrorism charges today after allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) into a crowd of protesters outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York have charged Emir Balat, 18, of Langhorne, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, of Newtown, with multiple counts, including the use of a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS).
The attack occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, during a tense standoff between far-right demonstrators and counter-protesters. According to the criminal complaint, the suspects arrived in Manhattan after crossing the George Washington Bridge earlier that morning.
Authorities state that Balat ignited a “mason jar” style device filled with nuts, bolts, and screws and hurled it toward the crowd. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke, but the device struck a barrier and failed to fully detonate just feet away from police officers and civilians. After throwing the first device, Balat allegedly retrieved a second explosive from Kayumi before being apprehended by NYPD officers.
“These devices were meant to injure, maim, or worse,” Mayor Mamdani said in a statement. “We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city.”
During post-arrest interviews, both suspects allegedly admitted to being inspired by ISIS. According to federal investigators: Emir Balat reportedly wrote a statement pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and told authorities he hoped to carry out an attack “even bigger” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Ibrahim Kayumi allegedly admitted to watching ISIS propaganda on his phone and confirmed his affiliation with the group as he was being led to a police vehicle.
The FBI confirmed that the devices contained TATP (triacetone triperoxide), a highly volatile explosive often used in international terror attacks.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the quiet Pennsylvania suburbs. On Sunday, the FBI’s Evidence Response Team raided the suspects’ homes in Middletown and Newtown Townships. On Tuesday, investigators conducted a controlled detonation of additional explosives found in a local storage unit linked to the pair.
Balat and Kayumi were arraigned in Manhattan federal court on Monday. A judge ordered both to remain in federal custody without bail, citing the “chilling” nature of their alleged plans. Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2026.
