Two Men Charged with Terrorism After Attempted Bomb Attack at Gracie Mansion

Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi accused of attempting to support ISIS in failed plot

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged two men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, with attempting to support the Islamic State after they allegedly tried to set off homemade explosives at Gracie Mansion in New York City on Saturday. The bombs did not detonate and no one was injured.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the challenges law enforcement faces in detecting and preventing such attacks. It also raises questions about security measures at high-profile government buildings and the balance between public access and safety.

The details

According to authorities, Balat and Kayumi traveled from Pennsylvania to New York City with the intention of detonating the explosives at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor. Preliminary testing determined that one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide, a highly volatile explosive that has been used in previous terrorist attacks.

  • The alleged attempted attack occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Emir Balat

One of the two men charged with attempting to support the Islamic State and carry out the failed bomb attack at Gracie Mansion.

Ibrahim Kayumi

The second man charged alongside Emir Balat for the attempted terrorist attack at Gracie Mansion.

Gracie Mansion

The official residence of the New York City mayor, which was the target of the alleged bomb attack.

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What’s next

Federal prosecutors will continue their investigation into the alleged terrorist plot and prepare for the trial of Balat and Kayumi, who face charges of attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization.

The takeaway

This failed attack underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the importance of vigilance and coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement to detect and prevent such incidents, while also upholding the principles of free speech and assembly.