ISIS-Inspired Extremists Hoped NYC Attack Would Outdo Boston Bombing: Feds

Two Pennsylvania men charged with tossing IEDs at anti-Muslim protesters outside Gracie Mansion

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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According to a federal complaint, the two ISIS-inspired extremists who tried to detonate homemade IEDs outside Gracie Mansion in New York City told investigators they hoped their attack would be even deadlier than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed 3 people. Fortunately, neither of the devices they threw exploded.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown, ISIS-inspired terrorism in the U.S. and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing such attacks, even as the overall threat from foreign terrorist organizations has diminished in recent years.

The details

Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, both from Pennsylvania, are accused of tossing two homemade IEDs at anti-Muslim protesters outside Gracie Mansion in New York City on Saturday. According to the federal complaint, Kayumi handed one of the devices, packed with a volatile explosive known as "Mother of Satan", to Balat, who then hurled it at the protesters. Balat dropped the second bomb near a group of NYPD officers. Neither device exploded.

  • On Saturday, Balat and Kayumi allegedly carried out the attempted attack outside Gracie Mansion.
  • Balat and Kayumi were arrested and charged on Monday.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania resident accused of tossing one of the homemade IEDs at anti-Muslim protesters.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old Pennsylvania resident accused of handing one of the homemade IEDs to Balat.

Jake Lang

A right-wing agitator who organized the anti-Muslim protest outside Gracie Mansion that was targeted by the alleged attack.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who called the botched bombing "an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism" at a press conference.

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What they’re saying

“No, even bigger. It was only three deaths.”

— Emir Balat (New York Post)

What’s next

Balat and Kayumi are scheduled to be arraigned on similar federal charges in Manhattan on Monday.

The takeaway

This attempted attack underscores the persistent threat of homegrown, ISIS-inspired terrorism in the U.S., even as the overall threat from foreign terrorist organizations has diminished in recent years. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing such attacks before they can be carried out.