18-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Terror Attack Outside NYC Mayor's Residence

Emir Balat and Ibrahim Nikk Kayumi arrested for allegedly throwing explosive device at anti-Muslim protest

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:04pm

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Emir Balat, an 18-year-old from Pennsylvania, has been charged with attempting to support the Islamic State and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Nikk Kayumi allegedly drove to New York City, where they parked near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City's mayor Zohran Mamdani. Prosecutors say Balat then took a jar packed with metal and a powerful explosive, lit the fuse, and threw the device at protesters outside the mayor's home. The bomb never exploded, and no one was injured.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the ability of extremist groups like ISIS to radicalize young people online. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of materials used to make explosive devices and the challenges law enforcement faces in detecting and preventing such attacks.

The details

According to authorities, Balat and Kayumi were inspired by the Islamic State group and said they were defending Islam from being "defamed" by the right-wing influencer leading the protest outside the mayor's residence. Balat told police: "This isn't a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet. We take action!" The two were arrested immediately after the alleged attack. Investigators later searched a self-storage facility in Balat's hometown and found explosive residue.

  • On March 2, 2026, Balat purchased 20 feet of slow-burning fuse from a fireworks store near his home.
  • On March 7, 2026, Balat and Kayumi allegedly drove to New York City and parked near Gracie Mansion, where an anti-Muslim protest was taking place.
  • On March 7, 2026, Balat allegedly threw an explosive device at the protesters outside the mayor's residence.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old from Pennsylvania who has been charged with attempting to support the Islamic State and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.

Ibrahim Nikk Kayumi

A 19-year-old who lived near Balat and was also arrested in connection with the alleged attack.

Zohran Mamdani

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

Garry Pozdnyakov

A former sneaker seller who bought shoes from Balat and described him as smart, quiet, and businesslike.

Benjamin Voce-Gardner

The director of the counterterrorism office in the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, who discussed the ongoing threat of online radicalization.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet. We take action!”

— Emir Balat (Boston Globe)

“You've got individuals online who are probably more proactive, who will get in the chat rooms, talk to people, encourage them, tell them what to do, tell them how to do it. There are others who are out there just creating propaganda and pushing it out there and hoping that it finds a willing audience.”

— Benjamin Voce-Gardner, Director of the counterterrorism office in the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (Boston Globe)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of online radicalization and the ability of extremist groups to inspire young people to commit acts of terrorism. It also raises questions about the accessibility of materials used to make explosive devices and the challenges law enforcement faces in detecting and preventing such attacks.