FBI Raids Homes of Alleged ISIS-Inspired Bombers in Pennsylvania

Ibraham Kayumi and Emir Balat accused of hurling explosives at Gracie Mansion protest

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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FBI agents raided the Pennsylvania homes of Ibraham Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, after the two were accused of throwing homemade IEDs during a violent clash between right-wing protesters and pro-Muslim counter-demonstrators near Gracie Mansion in New York City. The makeshift bombs, packed with the volatile explosive TATP, failed to detonate and no one was injured. The FBI and NYPD are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing threat of self-radicalized, ISIS-inspired extremists in the U.S. who are willing to use deadly explosives against political opponents. It also raises questions about security measures and the mayor's response to the attack.

The details

According to authorities, Kayumi and Balat, who had trained with ISIS overseas, allegedly threw the homemade bombs made with TATP, a volatile explosive favored by international terrorists, during a clash between right-wing protesters and pro-Muslim counter-demonstrators near Gracie Mansion in New York City. The explosive devices, which were described as a sports drink bottle stuffed with TATP and wrapped in construction tape, failed to detonate after police secured the bombs and removed the lethal mix.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon during a planned anti-Muslim rally organized by a 'white supremacist' near Gracie Mansion.
  • The FBI raided the suspects' homes in Langhorne, Pennsylvania on Sunday.

The players

Ibraham Kayumi

A 19-year-old Pennsylvania resident accused of throwing homemade IEDs at a protest near Gracie Mansion.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania resident accused of throwing homemade IEDs at a protest near Gracie Mansion.

Jake Lang

The organizer of the planned anti-Muslim rally near Gracie Mansion.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has faced criticism for his response to the incident.

Andrew Cuomo

The former governor of New York who criticized the mayor's handling of the attack.

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What they’re saying

“This was a clear cut terrorist attack. Whether you pass or fail this test depends on your resolve to protect this city. This was a terrorist attack by people who promote hate on both sides. We could have lost many cops and civilians yesterday. You should have already taken charge within the first hour not almost 24 hours later!”

— Sergeants Benevolent Association (X)

“This was a terrorist attack, no slap on the wrist. Terrorism is a federal crime. Just let the federal government take it over, let them do the prosecution, and let them send a signal there is zero tolerance for terrorism. If you don't do that, if you don't do that in this moment, don't be surprised what happens next. Thank God the bomb didn't go off.”

— Andrew Cuomo, Former Governor (WABC Radio)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ibraham Kayumi and Emir Balat out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing threat of self-radicalized, ISIS-inspired extremists in the U.S. and the need for strong security measures and decisive leadership to address acts of domestic terrorism, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.