2 Pennsylvania Men Arrested After IED Thrown at NYC Protest

Suspects say they acted against right-wing activist's anti-Muslim rally

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Two 19-year-old men from Bucks County, Pennsylvania were arrested on Saturday after allegedly throwing an improvised explosive device (IED) at a protest outside New York City's Gracie Mansion. The NYPD Bomb Squad determined the device was operational, and the FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. The suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, told investigators they acted because the protest organizer, Jake Lang, "hates Islam."

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing tensions and potential for violence at political rallies and protests, especially those involving extremist views. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of explosive materials and the threat of homemade devices being used to target public gatherings.

The details

According to police, Balat first threw an IED at Lang and his group of around 20 protesters, which ignited but did not explode. Balat then retrieved a second device from Kayumi, lit it, and started running with it before dropping it on the street. Both devices were described as jars wrapped in black tape and packed with nuts, bolts, and screws. Police arrested the two suspects at the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 8, 2026 around 12:38 p.m.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old resident of Newton, Pennsylvania who was arrested for throwing an IED at the protest.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old resident of Langhorne, Pennsylvania who was arrested for providing a second IED to Balat.

Jake Lang

The organizer of the "Americans Against Islamification" protest outside Gracie Mansion, who the suspects say they acted against because he "hates Islam."

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who provided details about the IED devices and the arrests.

Ian McGinnis

A 21-year-old from Philadelphia who was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, assault, and unlawful possession of noxious matter for allegedly spraying pepper spray at counterprotesters.

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What they’re saying

“The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner (mcall.com)

“Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city's values and the unity that defines who we are. What followed was”

— Mayor Mamdani (mcall.com)

What’s next

The FBI is currently investigating the case as a potential act of terrorism, with the teens facing federal charges. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the suspects to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing threat of homemade explosive devices being used to target public gatherings, as well as the need for heightened security and vigilance at political rallies and protests where tensions are high. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of materials to construct such devices and the radicalization of young people.