Two Men Charged in Failed Terrorist Attack Near Gracie Mansion

Alleged ISIS-inspired plot fizzled, but raises concerns about DHS funding lapse

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Federal prosecutors in New York have charged two men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, for an alleged ISIS-inspired terrorist plot to detonate shrapnel bombs at a small far-right protest near Gracie Mansion on Saturday. The explosive devices failed to detonate, but the incident has raised questions about the lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding.

Why it matters

The failed attack highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the importance of maintaining robust homeland security funding and capabilities, especially in major cities like New York that have been targets of past attacks.

The details

Balat, 18, and Kayumi, 19, are accused of traveling from Pennsylvania to New York to carry out the attack. Balat allegedly told investigators his goal was to kill more people than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people.

  • The alleged attack took place on Saturday near Gracie Mansion in New York City.
  • Federal prosecutors charged Balat and Kayumi on Monday.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old man charged with plotting an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New York City.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old man charged alongside Balat for the alleged terrorist plot.

Chuck Schumer

The U.S. Senator from New York who is being called upon to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Balat and Kayumi to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This failed attack underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the critical need for sustained homeland security funding to protect major cities like New York from such plots, even as political divisions threaten to disrupt that vital work.