Two Teens Arrested for Throwing Explosive Devices Outside Gracie Mansion

Alleged IEDs contained nails, nuts, and bolts that could have caused serious harm during dueling protests

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two teenagers, Ibraham Kayumi and Emir Balat, have been arrested for allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) outside Gracie Mansion in New York City during dueling protests on Saturday. The devices, made with glass jars and containing nails, nuts, and bolts, were filled with a highly volatile chemical compound called TATP that has been linked to deadly terrorist attacks. No bombs exploded, but the devices could have caused serious bodily harm to the approximately 100 people gathered at the scene.

Why it matters

The incident highlights growing concerns about extremism and the potential for violence at political rallies and protests in New York City. The use of homemade explosives also raises questions about security measures and the ability to prevent such attacks, especially in public spaces near government buildings.

The details

According to reports, the two teens, Ibraham Kayumi and Emir Balat, allegedly utilized TATP, a highly volatile chemical compound, to create the improvised explosive devices that they then threw outside Gracie Mansion. The devices were made with glass jars and contained nails, nuts, and bolts - the type of shrapnel that can cause significant damage when paired with an explosive. TATP has been linked to deadly terrorist attacks in several countries.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday during dueling protests outside Gracie Mansion.
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji were inside the mansion at the time but were unharmed.

The players

Ibraham Kayumi

A 19-year-old man arrested and charged for allegedly making and throwing the improvised explosive devices.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old man arrested and charged for allegedly making and throwing the improvised explosive devices.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who was inside Gracie Mansion during the incident.

Rama Duwaji

The wife of Mayor Zohran Mamdani who was also inside Gracie Mansion during the incident.

Jake Lang

The organizer of the 'Stop the Muslim Takeover of New York City' protest outside Gracie Mansion.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city's values and the unity that defines who we are.”

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (X)

“Violence almost followed, but we will not be deterred. New Yorkers will always stand up to hate and defend our city's diversity.”

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ibraham Kayumi and Emir Balat out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing threat of extremism and the potential for violence at political rallies and protests in New York City. It highlights the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance to prevent such attacks, especially near government buildings and public spaces.