NYPD Probes ISIS Link to Mayoral Mansion Bomb

Two Pennsylvania men accused of tossing TATP device during rally outside Gracie Mansion

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Police in New York City are investigating a possible terrorism case with links to the Islamic State after two improvised explosive devices were recovered near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. One of the devices contained TATP, a volatile homemade explosive used in attacks overseas. The devices were allegedly tossed onto the sidewalk as a right-wing rally organized by far-right social media figure Jake Lang wrapped up. Six people were arrested, including two Pennsylvania men who will face federal charges.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the potential threat of domestic terrorism and the ability of extremist groups to target high-profile political figures and events. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between right-wing and left-wing factions in the city, as well as the challenges facing the city's first Muslim mayor.

The details

According to police, one of the improvised explosive devices recovered near Gracie Mansion contained TATP, a volatile homemade explosive used in attacks overseas. The devices were allegedly tossed onto the sidewalk as a right-wing rally organized by far-right social media figure Jake Lang wrapped up. The rally, promoted as a "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" event, drew about 20 supporters in patriotic gear as well as roughly 100 counterprotesters. Police arrested six people, including two Pennsylvania men, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Nikk Kayumi, 19, who will face federal charges in Manhattan.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
  • A third device, found Sunday in a parked car several blocks away, was determined not to contain explosives.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City and the city's first Muslim mayor.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner.

Jake Lang

A far-right social media figure who organized the rally outside Gracie Mansion.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania man who was arrested and will face federal charges.

Ibrahim Nikk Kayumi

A 19-year-old Pennsylvania man who was arrested and will face federal charges.

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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 (CBS News)

“The devices 'were meant to injure, maim, or worse.'”

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

What’s next

Specific charges against Emir Balat and Ibrahim Nikk Kayumi are expected to be revealed later on Monday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the challenges facing the city's first Muslim mayor in navigating the tensions between right-wing and left-wing factions. It also raises questions about the ability of extremist groups to target high-profile political figures and events.