Authorities in the United States have charged two men after an alleged terror plot involving explosive devices near Gracie Mansion in New York City. Officials say the suspects attempted to detonate improvised explosive devices during a protest near the residence of the New York City mayor.
The incident happened on March 7, 2026, during two demonstrations taking place outside Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. According to investigators, one protest was called “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,” while a counter-protest called “Run Nazis Out of New York City” was also taking place nearby.
Federal prosecutors say the suspects, identified as 18-year-old Emir Balat of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi of Newtown, Pennsylvania, allegedly attempted to carry out an attack inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organization designated by the United States.
Officials say the attack could have caused mass casualties if it had not been stopped quickly by police officers on the scene.
Alleged Attempt to Detonate Explosives in a Crowd
According to the criminal complaint, the incident unfolded shortly after noon when Balat allegedly ignited and threw an explosive device toward an area where protesters were gathered.
The device reportedly contained nuts and bolts attached to the exterior, a method commonly used to create shrapnel and increase injuries in an explosion.
After throwing the first device, Balat allegedly moved down the street where investigators say Kayumi handed him a second explosive device.
Authorities say Balat appeared to ignite the second device before dropping it near a group of New York Police Department officers standing nearby.
Police officers immediately responded and tackled Balat as he attempted to run away. Kayumi was also arrested shortly afterward.
Law enforcement officials later secured both explosive devices before they could fully detonate.
Investigators said the quick actions of the officers likely prevented serious injuries or deaths.
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Highly Volatile Explosive Material Found
A bomb technician from the FBI later examined the devices and determined that one of them contained TATP, a highly unstable explosive compound sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Satan.”
TATP is known for being extremely sensitive to heat, friction, and impact. The substance has been used in several terrorist attacks in recent years because it can be made from common chemical ingredients.
According to investigators, the devices were about the size of mason jars and had fuses attached. Nuts and bolts were taped to the outside of the containers to create lethal shrapnel if the explosives detonated.
Authorities also searched a vehicle linked to one of the suspects that had been parked a few blocks away from the protest site.
Inside the car, investigators reportedly found materials consistent with bomb-making components, including a coil of fuse material, an empty metal container similar to the one used in the device, and handwritten notes.
One page of the notebook reportedly contained the words “TATP explosive,” while another listed chemical ingredients including hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, and acetone.
Statements Allegedly Pledging Loyalty to ISIS
Authorities say the suspects made statements after their arrests that suggested support for ISIS.
According to investigators, Balat made remarks praising ISIS ideology while being transported to a police station. Officials say he also wrote a note pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.
During questioning, Balat allegedly told investigators he hoped the attack would cause even more damage than the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
Kayumi also allegedly told officers that his actions were partly inspired by ISIS propaganda that he had watched on his phone.
Officials say both suspects acknowledged links to the terrorist organization.
Charges Filed by Federal Prosecutors
The US Department of Justice announced multiple federal charges against the two suspects.
The charges include attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization, use of a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials, and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
Some of these charges carry extremely severe penalties, including the possibility of life in prison.
Officials emphasized that the charges are currently allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.