Teens Accused of Bombing Attempt at NYC Mayor's Home Openly Discussed Plans to Kill
Two teenage alleged supporters of the Islamic State, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested on 7 March 2026 for trying to detonate explosive devices during a protest outside the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion. According to an indictment unsealed on Tuesday, they freely discussed how many people they might kill, with one remarking: "I want to start terror, bro."
Arrest and Allegations
Authorities claim that Balat, 18, lit one homemade device and threw it toward protesters at an anti-Islam demonstration, while Kayumi, 19, provided another device. Balat allegedly dropped this second device near police officers before attempting to flee, leading to their swift arrest. The eight-count indictment includes serious charges 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.
Chilling Conversations Revealed
Prosecutors allege that Balat and Kayumi drove from Pennsylvania to the protest site, carrying bombs. Dashboard camera video from their car recorded them discussing potential casualties in detail. Kayumi reportedly said, "All I know is I want to start terror, bro" and "I want to petrify these people." Balat allegedly calculated that their plan could kill 8 to 16 people, or up to 60 if the protest was heavily attended, stating, "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."
Post-Arrest Statements and Evidence
After being detained, Balat allegedly waived his right to remain silent and wrote on a piece of paper: "All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegience [sic] to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar! Emir B." Kayumi also waived his rights, with prosecutors noting he consumed radical content online. Both teens are expected to be arraigned on 15 April, and their attorneys have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Context of the Protest
The incident occurred during a far-right protest organized by provocateur Jake Lang, called "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City," which also faced an anti-Lang counter-protest. The indictment highlights the dangerous escalation of extremist rhetoric into alleged violent action, underscoring ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism in the United States.
