NYC Mayor Refuses to Condemn Alleged ISIS-Linked Bomb Throwers

Mamdani says those who bring violence to NYC streets will be held accountable, but avoids criticizing the suspects' alleged ISIS ties.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a press conference on Monday to address the incident where two alleged ISIS-loving radical Islamists were charged with tossing IEDs near Gracie Mansion during an anti-Muslim protest over the weekend. Mamdani condemned the violence but did not mention the suspects' alleged ISIS ties, drawing criticism.

Why it matters

The mayor's response highlights the delicate balance public officials must strike when addressing acts of alleged terrorism, especially when the suspects' motivations involve sensitive religious or political affiliations. Mamdani's refusal to condemn the suspects' alleged ISIS links has raised concerns about how the city will handle similar incidents going forward.

The details

According to police, Ibraham Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, both from Pennsylvania, were arrested and charged with tossing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) towards an anti-Muslim protest near Gracie Mansion on Saturday. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the act was being investigated as 'ISIS-inspired terrorism'.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday during an anti-Muslim protest near Gracie Mansion.
  • Mamdani held a press conference to address the incident on Monday.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who is the first Muslim to hold the position.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Police Commissioner.

Ibraham Kayumi

A 19-year-old from Pennsylvania who was arrested and charged with tossing IEDs near Gracie Mansion.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old from Pennsylvania who was arrested and charged with tossing IEDs near Gracie Mansion.

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What they’re saying

“They are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (nypost.com)

“Let me say this plainly anyone who comes to New York City to bring violence to our streets will be held accountable in accordance with the law.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (nypost.com)

“The act was being investigated as 'ISIS-inspired terrorism'.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Police Commissioner (nypost.com)

What’s next

The suspects, Ibraham Kayumi and Emir Balat, are expected to appear in court later this week for a bail hearing, where a judge will determine if they can be released pending trial.

The takeaway

Mayor Mamdani's response highlights the delicate balance public officials must strike when addressing acts of alleged terrorism, especially when the suspects' motivations involve sensitive religious or political affiliations. The city's handling of this incident will be closely watched as a test of how it responds to similar situations in the future.