Two ISIS-inspired suspects indicted for alleged terror plot at NYC protest

Kayumi and Balat charged with conspiracy, attempted use of weapon of mass destruction, and more

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:25am

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An extreme close-up of a partially disassembled electronic component, its metallic parts and wiring visible against a stark black background, conceptually representing the materials seized in the alleged terror plot.The alleged terror plot exposed the continued threat of homegrown extremism and the need for vigilance against such attacks.NYC Today

Two men, 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi and 18-year-old Emir Balat, have been indicted on an eight-count federal indictment for an alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot targeting a protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York City on March 7. The charges include conspiracy, providing material support to a terrorist organization, attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, and other related crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism and the challenges law enforcement faces in detecting and preventing such attacks. The alleged plot also raises concerns about the security of public events and the ability of extremist ideologies to radicalize young individuals.

The details

According to authorities, Kayumi and Balat intended to harm innocent people in the name of ISIS. The indictment alleges the suspects engaged in meticulous planning, including maintaining a notebook with detailed attack plans and storing explosive residue and bomb-making materials. The NYPD responded immediately and arrested the suspects on site.

  • The alleged attack occurred on March 7, 2026 outside Gracie Mansion in Manhattan.
  • The eight-count federal indictment was announced on April 8, 2026.

The players

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old man charged in the alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old man charged in the alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot.

Jay Clayton

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

Kash Patel

The FBI Director who announced the indictment.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who announced the indictment.

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What they’re saying

“As alleged, just weeks ago, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi carried out a terrorist attack on the streets of New York. 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’s next

The suspects are scheduled to appear in federal court for their arraignment on the indictment charges. Prosecutors will seek to keep the defendants detained without bail pending trial due to the serious nature of the alleged plot and the potential threat to public safety.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism and the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement agencies to detect and disrupt such plots before they can be carried out. It also highlights the challenges of preventing radicalization and the importance of community engagement to counter the spread of extremist ideologies.