NYC Terror Suspects Allegedly Bought Fireworks Fuse Before Attack

Surveillance footage shows one suspect purchasing fuse days before throwing explosive devices at NYC protest

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two Pennsylvania men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, have been accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired terror attack in New York City. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Balat purchasing a 20-foot roll of consumer safety fuse from a fireworks store in Pennsylvania just days before the attack. The suspects are accused of throwing live explosive devices into a protest outside the mayor's residence in New York City.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the challenges law enforcement faces in detecting and preventing such attacks. The use of readily available materials like fireworks fuses to create explosive devices is a concerning tactic that authorities will need to monitor closely.

The details

According to the report, Balat allegedly purchased the fireworks fuse on March 2 from a Phantom Fireworks store in Pennsylvania. Five days later, Balat and Kayumi are accused of throwing the explosive devices into a protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York City. The devices caused flames and smoke, but no injuries were reported. The suspects now face several federal charges related to the attack.

  • On March 2, Balat allegedly purchased a 20-foot roll of consumer safety fuse from Phantom Fireworks in Pennsylvania.
  • On March 7, Balat and Kayumi allegedly threw the explosive devices into a protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York City.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of purchasing the fireworks fuse and throwing one of the explosive devices during the attack.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of assisting Balat in the terror plot and throwing one of the explosive devices.

Phantom Fireworks

The fireworks retailer where Balat allegedly purchased the safety fuse used in the attack.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, whose official residence was the target of the alleged terror attack.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who provided details about the incident and the arrests of the suspects.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The single item purchased was a 20-foot length of consumer fireworks safety fuse. The total spend was $6.89 including tax.”

— William Weimer, Vice President and General Counsel, Phantom Fireworks (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to grant bail for the suspects.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the need for vigilance in monitoring the purchase of materials that could be used to create explosive devices, even common items like fireworks fuses. Law enforcement will likely increase scrutiny of such purchases to try to detect and prevent future attacks.