Attempted Bomb Attack Near NYC Mayor's Residence Investigated as ISIS-Inspired Terrorism

Two suspects in custody after explosives were thrown at a protest outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani's home

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City police are investigating an attempted bomb attack near Mayor Zohran Mamdani's official residence as an act of "ISIS-inspired terrorism." Two suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, have been arrested and are facing federal charges for allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices at a right-wing protest outside the mayor's home. The NYPD commissioner said the devices contained a chemical commonly used in IEDs and could have caused "serious injury or death."

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and the potential for violence at political rallies and protests. It also raises questions about security measures for high-profile elected officials, especially those from minority backgrounds, and the challenges of balancing free speech rights with public safety.

The details

According to the NYPD, the two suspects traveled from Pennsylvania to allegedly target a right-wing protest outside Mayor Mamdani's residence on Saturday. At least one of the explosive devices contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a chemical commonly used in homemade bombs. A third non-explosive device was also recovered. The mayor condemned the original protest as "bigotry" but said political violence is unacceptable, praising the quick police response that prevented further harm.

  • The incident occurred during a protest outside Mayor Mamdani's residence on Saturday.
  • A third non-explosive device was identified and disposed of on Sunday.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who is the city's first Muslim mayor.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City police commissioner, who provided details about the investigation at a press conference.

Emir Balat

One of the two suspects arrested and charged in connection with the attempted bomb attack.

Ibrahim Kayumi

The other suspect arrested and charged in connection with the attempted bomb attack.

Jake Lang

A far-right activist who organized the original protest that was targeted by the alleged attack.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These were not hoax devices nor smoke bombs. They were improvised explosive devices that could have caused serious injury or death.”

— Jessica Tisch, New York City Police Commissioner (NPR)

“Many of the counter-protesters met this display of bigotry peacefully. A few did not. Two men, Amir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, traveled from Pennsylvania and attempted to bring violence to New York City.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (NPR)

“Ours is a free society where the right to peaceful protest is sacred. It does not belong only to those we agree with. New York City will never tolerate violence.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (NPR)

What’s next

Federal charges are expected to be unsealed soon against the two suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the challenges of balancing free speech rights with public safety, especially for high-profile elected officials. It also highlights the importance of vigilant security measures and the swift response of law enforcement in preventing further harm.