NYC Bombing Suspects Charged with Supporting Terrorism After Pledging Allegiance to ISIS

Authorities say the suspects brought homemade bombs to a protest in New York City, intending to cause serious injury or death.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Two suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, have been charged with providing material support to ISIS and using a weapon of mass destruction after allegedly planting and attempting to deploy two makeshift bombs at a protest in New York City. The suspects, who are the sons of Turkish and Afghan immigrants, allegedly cited ISIS and claimed affiliation with the terrorist group while in custody.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing attacks, especially those inspired by foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS. The use of homemade explosives also raises concerns about the accessibility of materials that can be used to create dangerous devices.

The details

According to the complaint, Balat wrote on a piece of paper that he pledged allegiance to ISIS while in custody, and Kayumi also claimed affiliation with the group. Balat allegedly threw one improvised explosive device into the crowd and attempted to deploy a second device that Kayumi handed him. The homemade explosives were found to contain triacetone triperoxide, a substance frequently used in IED attacks, and were similar to those used in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

  • On Saturday, the suspects brought the homemade bombs to a protest outside Grace Mansion, the residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
  • On Monday, New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the charges against the suspects.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old suspect charged with providing material support to ISIS and using a weapon of mass destruction.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old suspect charged with providing material support to ISIS and using a weapon of mass destruction.

Jessica Tisch

The New York Police Department Commissioner who announced the charges against the suspects.

Zohran Mamdani

The New York City Mayor whose residence was the site of the protest where the suspects allegedly planted the homemade bombs.

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What they’re saying

“No, even bigger”

— Emir Balat (Complaint)

“Die in your rage yu kuffar”

— Emir Balat (Complaint)

What’s next

The suspects are expected to appear in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York, where a judge will decide on the appropriate sentence for their charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the need for vigilance in identifying and preventing such attacks. It also raises questions about the accessibility of materials that can be used to create dangerous devices and the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing this issue.