Suspects Charged in NYC Terror Probe Planned Attack 'Bigger Than Boston Bombing'

Federal prosecutors say the alleged plotters wanted to stage an assault exceeding the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged two suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, in connection with an alleged terror plot in New York City. The suspects reportedly told investigators they planned an attack that would be "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing" that killed three people and injured over 500 in 2013. The men allegedly attempted to detonate two explosive devices during a protest near the mayor's residence, with at least one device containing a highly volatile explosive.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism in the U.S. and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing such attacks. The alleged plotters' desire to exceed the scale of the Boston bombing raises concerns about the potential for mass casualties if their plan had succeeded.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Balat and Kayumi attempted to detonate the explosive devices during a "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" protest and counter-protest near Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence on Saturday. Preliminary testing indicates at least one device contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile explosive used in multiple terrorist attacks. The suspects allegedly made statements referencing ISIS, with Kayumi captured on NYPD bodycam footage responding "ISIS" when asked why he carried out the attack. Prosecutors say Balat also later wrote that he "pledge[d] allegiance [sic] to the Islamic State."

  • On Saturday, Balat and Kayumi allegedly attempted to detonate the explosive devices.
  • The suspects were arrested and appeared in court on Monday.

The players

Emir Balat

One of the two suspects charged in the alleged NYC terror plot.

Ibrahim Kayumi

One of the two suspects charged in the alleged NYC terror plot.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, whose residence was the target of the alleged attack.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

A preliminary hearing for Balat and Kayumi is scheduled for April 8.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing such attacks. The alleged plotters' desire to exceed the scale of the Boston bombing raises serious concerns about the potential for mass casualties if their plan had succeeded.