Two Bucks County Men Indicted for Alleged ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot in NYC

Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi face possible life sentences for thwarted attack near Gracie Mansion.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a glass jar filled with a volatile explosive material, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the dangerous materials involved in the alleged terror plot.The alleged use of a volatile explosive material known as TATP in the thwarted terror plot highlights the serious threat posed by homegrown extremism.NYC Today

Federal prosecutors have unsealed an eight-count indictment against two Lower Bucks County men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, who were arrested in March for allegedly planning a mass-casualty terrorist attack in New York City in the name of ISIS. The indictment provides new details on the thwarted plot, which authorities say was intended to eclipse the carnage of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the challenges law enforcement faces in detecting and disrupting such plots before they can be carried out. It also raises concerns about the radicalization of young people and the role that online propaganda can play in inspiring them to violence.

The details

According to the indictment, Balat and Kayumi drove from Bucks County to Manhattan on March 7 and allegedly attempted to detonate two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Gracie Mansion as rival protests were taking place nearby. The devices, which were packed with shrapnel and a volatile explosive material known as TATP, failed to detonate, and the two men were quickly apprehended by NYPD officers. Forensic analysis revealed the devices were capable of causing mass casualties.

  • On March 7, Balat and Kayumi allegedly attempted to carry out the attack near Gracie Mansion in New York City.
  • On March 9, FBI agents executed a search warrant on a storage unit in Middletown Township, Bucks County, where they found materials used to make the IEDs, including TATP residue.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old resident of Middletown Township, Bucks County, and a student at Neshaminy High School, who was indicted on charges related to the alleged terror plot.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old resident of Newtown Township, Bucks County, and a recent graduate of Council Rock High School North, who was also indicted on charges related to the alleged terror plot.

Jay Clayton

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who announced the indictment.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner, who praised the quick actions of NYPD officers in apprehending the suspects.

Zohran Mamdani

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

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What they’re saying

“They sought to murder multiple innocent victims in the name of ISIS. The brave women and men of the NYPD responded immediately, and Balat and Kayumi were arrested on site.”

— Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York

“What they allegedly set in motion was an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism with the potential for mass casualties. It was stopped because of the quick-thinking, decisive actions of the men and women of the NYPD, who moved toward the threat and took these individuals into custody before more lives were put at risk.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in detecting and disrupting such plots before they can be carried out. It also raises concerns about the radicalization of young people and the role that online propaganda can play in inspiring them to violence.