Two Pennsylvania Teens Charged in Alleged Bomb Plot Outside NYC Mayor's Home

Prosecutors say the ISIS-inspired attack aimed to kill up to 60 people at a far-right protest.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two 19-year-old and 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents, Ibrahim Kayumi and Emir Balat, have been charged by a federal grand jury for an alleged bomb plot outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's official residence, Gracie Mansion. Prosecutors say the pair aimed to kill up to 60 people in the name of ISIS at a "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" event organized by far-right figure Jake Lang, who was involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.

Why it matters

This alleged bomb plot highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism and the potential for ISIS-inspired attacks within the United States, even as the terrorist group's global footprint has diminished in recent years. The targeting of a high-profile political figure's residence also raises concerns about the security of public officials and the vulnerability of soft targets.

The details

According to prosecutors, Kayumi and Balat hurled two explosive devices, including one made with an energy drink can filled with the explosive TATP, outside Gracie Mansion on March 7. Dashcam audio allegedly recorded Kayumi saying he wanted to "start terror" and "petrify these people." Authorities found a notebook with detailed attack plans and a storage unit containing bomb-making materials. Balat allegedly told authorities he wanted the attack to be "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing."

  • The alleged attack occurred on March 7, 2026 outside Gracie Mansion in New York City.
  • Kayumi and Balat were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 8, 2026.

The players

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old Pennsylvania resident accused of participating in the alleged bomb plot.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania resident accused of participating in the alleged bomb plot.

Zohran Mamdani

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

Jake Lang

A far-right figure who organized the "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" event that was allegedly the target of the bomb plot. Lang was also involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.

Jay Clayton

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who announced the charges against Kayumi and Balat.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

A judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Kayumi and Balat to be released on bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This alleged bomb plot underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism and the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and local communities to identify and disrupt such threats before they can be carried out.