Two Pennsylvania Men Charged in Gracie Mansion Bomb Plot

Suspects claimed inspiration from ISIS, raising concerns about diffuse terror threats

Mar. 10, 2026 at 8:52pm

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Two men from Pennsylvania, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, have been charged with using a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support to a terrorist organization after allegedly throwing homemade bombs at an anti-Muslim demonstration outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence, Gracie Mansion. The suspects reportedly told police they were inspired by ISIS, though authorities have not found direct ties between the men and the terrorist group.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of combating diffuse terror threats, where individuals can become radicalized online and carry out attacks without clear organizational links to groups like ISIS. It also raises questions about the FBI's response, with the agency reportedly holding back a security bulletin warning of Iran-backed threats.

The details

According to prosecutors, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, both from Pennsylvania, threw two homemade bombs at an anti-Muslim demonstration outside Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor's residence. Neither device detonated, and no one was injured. In police custody, Balat allegedly confessed to watching ISIS propaganda videos and pledged allegiance to the group, while Kayumi said he wanted to carry out an attack bigger than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday outside Gracie Mansion.
  • Balat and Kayumi were arrested and charged on Sunday.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The first Muslim mayor of New York City, whose residence at Gracie Mansion was the site of the alleged attack.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania resident charged with using a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support to a terrorist organization.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old Pennsylvania resident charged with using a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support to a terrorist organization.

Jessica Tisch

The New York Police Commissioner who described the incident as a "planned attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization."

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What they’re saying

“This was not random violence. This was a planned attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization.”

— Jessica Tisch, New York Police Commissioner

“Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar!”

— Emir Balat

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of combating diffuse terror threats, where individuals can become radicalized online and carry out attacks without clear organizational links to groups like ISIS. It also raises questions about the FBI's response and the need for vigilance against a range of extremist ideologies.