Two Men Charged with Bringing Bombs to NYC Protest Discussed Killing Up to 60 People

Prosecutors say the suspects were recorded planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack in New York City.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a homemade explosive device with TATP compound and shrapnel, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty details of a foiled terror plot.The recovery of explosive devices and detailed plans for mass casualty attacks underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism in New York City.NYC Today

Two men charged with bringing homemade bombs to a protest outside the home of New York City's mayor were recorded describing their plan to kill as many as 60 people in a bid to 'start terror,' according to a new federal indictment. Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, allegedly discussed lighting the explosive devices, which contained the powerful TATP compound and shrapnel, during an anti-Islam demonstration in Manhattan.

Why it matters

The alleged plot highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing attacks, even when suspects are under surveillance. The case also raises concerns about the rise of far-right extremism and the potential for violence at politically charged protests.

The details

According to the indictment, Balat told Kayumi he had 'calculated' the devices were 'going to kill about 8 to 16 people,' but could kill as many as 60 if the area was crowded. Balat also said he was 'going to just start attacking police' and could 'throw (an explosive device) in a cafe' if the initial plan did not work. Police recovered a notebook from the suspects' vehicle outlining an alternative plan for a vehicle attack on locations that included festivals, parades and celebrations.

  • On March 7, Balat and Kayumi allegedly brought the homemade bombs to a protest outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's home.
  • The suspects were quickly detained at the scene and have been held without bail since their initial court appearance last month.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old man charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old man charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction.

Jake Lang

A far-right activist and critic of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani who hosted the anti-Islam demonstration where the alleged attack was planned.

Zohran Mamdani

The first Muslim mayor of New York City, whose home was the target of the alleged attack.

James C. Barnacle, Jr.

The FBI Assistant Director in Charge who announced the charges against Balat and Kayumi.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As alleged, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi traveled to New York City with IEDs to kill as many people as possible in an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack. The alleged notes and instructions recovered from their vehicle demonstrate just how much cruelty they had planned.”

— James C. Barnacle, Jr., FBI Assistant Director in Charge

What’s next

A judge will decide whether to grant bail for Balat and Kayumi at a hearing on April 15.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing attacks, even when suspects are under surveillance. It also raises concerns about the rise of far-right extremism and the potential for violence at politically charged protests.