Teenagers Charged in ISIS-Inspired Bomb Attack Outside NYC Mayor's Mansion
Two teenagers, Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, have been indicted on five federal charges, including attempting to provide material support to ISIS and use of a weapon of mass destruction. The pair were arrested on Saturday after allegedly throwing a homemade 'Mother of Satan' bomb during an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor's residence. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji were not home at the time, and no injuries were reported from the device, which contained explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and nuts and bolts.
Background of the Accused and Their Families
Ibrahim Kayumi, an American citizen, is the son of wealthy Afghan immigrants, Khayer and Shaysta Kayumi, who became naturalized U.S. citizens in 2004 and 2009. The family co-owns a Popeyes chicken franchise and has amassed a residential property portfolio worth over $4.2 million in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. They live in a $2.25 million mansion in Newtown, which was raided by the FBI on Sunday, though there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by the parents.
Khayer Kayumi, 50, owns five other homes in the area, which he rents out, and is involved in a legal dispute with his Popeyes partner, Shaima Ghafary, over alleged fraud and breach of contract. The Kayumi family has been involved with Popeyes franchises for years, including a previous location in Brooklyn. Their older son, Mohammad, works as an assistant manager at the Stroudsburg franchise.
Details of the Attack and Arrests
According to federal officials, Kayumi and Balat traveled to New York City on Saturday to join counterprotesters at a rally organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang. Balat allegedly hurled a lit homemade bomb at the crowd, which extinguished without causing harm, then collected a second device from Kayumi and dropped it near police officers before being tackled and arrested. During police custody, Kayumi pledged allegiance to ISIS, while Balat reportedly stated his intentions were 'even bigger' than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Both suspects are being held without bail after a court appearance and have not entered a plea. Investigators are examining their overseas travel, including Kayumi's trips to Istanbul and Saudi Arabia in 2024, and Balat's multiple visits to Turkey, to determine potential links to terror training grounds.
Family Reactions and Legal Proceedings
Khayer Kayumi expressed panic after his son failed to return home, stating that Ibrahim typically calls if he is late. The family has cooperated with police but declined further comment on the investigation. Emir Balat's father, Selahattin Balat, a Turkish native and U.S. citizen, listed his occupation as a painter in past bankruptcy filings. Balat's family home in Langhorne was also searched by authorities.
Balat's lawyer, Mehdi Essmidi, mentioned his client has 'complicated stuff going on' personally and suggested the two suspects may not have known each other for long. The motives and planning behind the attack remain under investigation as federal prosecutors pursue the charges against the young men.
