Newtown Man Charged in Failed NYC Bombing Attempt

Police locate suspect's vehicle, clear it of explosives after bomb squad response

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:48am

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Police in Newtown Township, Pennsylvania have located a vehicle belonging to 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, one of two local men charged in connection with a failed bombing attempt near the New York City mayor's residence. The vehicle was discovered in a shopping center parking lot and cleared of any explosive devices by the Philadelphia Police Department Bomb Squad and federal authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the importance of law enforcement cooperation in responding to and investigating such incidents. The discovery of the suspect's vehicle and the presence of potential bomb-making materials raises concerns about the scope and planning behind the alleged plot.

The details

According to police, Kayumi's 2010 Honda was located in the early hours of Monday morning in the Anchor Shopping Center parking lot in Wrightstown Township. A K-9 unit specializing in explosives alerted to the potential presence of bomb-making materials inside the vehicle, prompting a response from the Philadelphia Bomb Squad and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. After several hours, the vehicle was cleared of any explosive devices and impounded for further investigation.

  • On Saturday evening, Kayumi's family reported him missing to Newtown Township police.
  • Shortly after, an FBI agent contacted local police to confirm Kayumi was in federal custody following the failed bombing attempt in New York City on March 7.
  • The vehicle was discovered in the early hours of Monday morning in the Anchor Shopping Center parking lot.

The players

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old resident of Newtown Township, Pennsylvania who was charged along with 18-year-old Emir Balat in connection with the failed bombing attempt near the New York City mayor's residence.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old resident of the Langhorne section of Middletown Township, Pennsylvania who was charged along with Kayumi in the failed bombing attempt.

Newtown Township Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that located Kayumi's vehicle and coordinated with federal authorities in the investigation.

Philadelphia Police Department Bomb Squad

The specialized unit that responded to the scene and cleared Kayumi's vehicle of any explosive devices.

FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force

The federal law enforcement team leading the investigation into the failed bombing attempt.

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What they’re saying

“At this point, there is no additional belief or communications with the FBI that indicate a continued threat to this area.”

— Newtown Township Police Department (newtownpanow.com)

What’s next

The investigation remains active and is being led by the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and the NYPD. The FBI and NYPD are asking anyone with information on the case to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the importance of vigilant law enforcement cooperation in responding to and investigating such plots. The discovery of potential bomb-making materials in the suspect's vehicle highlights the need for continued public awareness and reporting of suspicious activity to authorities.