Two Teens Charged in NYC Bomb Attempt Wanted to Surpass Boston Marathon Attack

Prosecutors say the ISIS-inspired suspects planned a larger terror attack in New York City

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Two 18- and 19-year-old men from Pennsylvania, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested on Saturday for allegedly throwing two homemade bombs near New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence at Gracie Mansion. According to federal prosecutors, the suspects told investigators they wanted to carry out an attack bigger than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown, ISIS-inspired terrorism in the United States, even years after the decline of the terror group's physical caliphate. It also raises concerns about the ability of young, radicalized individuals to obtain explosive materials and plan attacks, despite increased security measures.

The details

Balat and Kayumi were charged with attempted provision of material support to a terrorist organization, use of a weapon of mass destruction, and other related offenses. The two devices they allegedly threw contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), an explosive material used in past terrorist attacks. Authorities said the suspects came to New York City from Pennsylvania and told investigators they planned an ISIS-inspired attack when they were arrested.

  • On March 7, 2026, the alleged attack occurred near Gracie Mansion.
  • On March 8, 2026, the NYPD bomb squad found a third explosive device in a parked car on East End Avenue.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old man from Pennsylvania who was charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and other offenses related to the alleged bomb attack in New York City.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old man from Pennsylvania who was charged alongside Balat for the alleged bomb attack in New York City.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, whose residence at Gracie Mansion was the target of the alleged bomb attack.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who provided details about the investigation and the discovery of the explosive devices.

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What they’re saying

“Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi have been charged with committing a heinous act of terrorism and proclaiming their allegiance to ISIS. They should be held fully accountable for their actions. We will continue to keep New Yorkers safe. We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (kxan.com)

What’s next

The suspects will be arraigned in Manhattan Federal Court on Monday, and more information about their attorneys is expected to be released.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown, ISIS-inspired terrorism in the United States, even years after the decline of the terror group's physical caliphate. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and local communities to identify and disrupt such plots before they can be carried out.