Teens Accused of Bombing Attempt at Mayor's Residence Openly Plotted Casualties
Two teenage alleged supporters of the Islamic State, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, have been charged with attempting to detonate explosive devices during a protest outside the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. According to an indictment unsealed on Tuesday, the pair freely discussed the number of people they might kill, with one remarking, "I want to start terror, bro." The teenagers were arrested on 7 March 2026 after allegedly igniting improvised explosive devices at Gracie Mansion.
Arrest and Allegations at Gracie Mansion
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were taken into custody by police officers outside Gracie Mansion in New York City on 7 March. Authorities claim that Balat lit one device and threw it toward protesters at an anti-Islam demonstration. Kayumi then provided Balat with a second device, which was allegedly dropped near several police officers before the teens attempted to flee. They were apprehended shortly thereafter.
The indictment includes eight counts, such as conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, and transportation of explosive materials. Prosecutors allege that the teens drove from Pennsylvania to the protest site carrying the bombs, where far-right provocateur Jake Lang and about 20 supporters were planning a demonstration called "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City."
Chilling Conversations Revealed in Dash-Cam Video
Court papers cite dashboard camera video from the teens' car, recording them discussing potential casualties. Kayumi allegedly told Balat, "All I know is I want to start terror, bro" and "I want to petrify these people." Balat reportedly calculated that their plan could kill 8 to 16 people, or up to 60 if the protest was heavily attended. He also allegedly said, "Just can't wait for that bomb to go off and his [Individual-1's] freaking head, his body to get split in half, bro, dead."
While being transported to the police precinct, Balat allegedly declared, "This isn't a religion that just stands when people talk bad about ... our prophet. We take action! We take action! If I don't do it, someone else will come and do it." At the precinct, he purportedly wrote a note pledging allegiance to the Islamic State. Kayumi also waived his rights and was noted to have consumed radical content online.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
Balat and Kayumi are expected to be arraigned on 15 April. Attorneys representing them did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and radicalization among youth in the United States, particularly in the context of political protests and social media influence.
The incident occurred amid a tense protest environment at Gracie Mansion, involving both far-right demonstrators and counter-protesters. Authorities continue to investigate the teens' connections and motivations, emphasizing the serious nature of the charges, which could result in severe penalties under federal law.
