Pennsylvania Teens Charged in Alleged ISIS-Inspired NYC Bomb Attack

Federal investigation underway after students accused of explosive attack outside mayor's residence

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Federal investigators raided a storage facility as part of the probe into two suburban Pennsylvania teens, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, who are accused of carrying out an ISIS-inspired terror attack by allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices outside the New York City mayor's home. The suspects traveled from Bucks County to Manhattan on Saturday, where police said they ignited and hurled explosive devices into a protest crowd outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the threat of young men becoming radicalized online and carrying out attacks far from traditional conflict zones. Federal authorities have warned about this growing threat, and the Pennsylvania arrests come just months after another alleged ISIS-inspired plot involving teenagers and young adults from suburban communities was disrupted.

The details

According to the federal criminal complaint, Balat is accused of throwing two improvised explosive devices, including one that contained TATP and had nuts and bolts affixed to the exterior with duct tape. Kayumi is accused of providing Balat with the second device. Prosecutors allege Balat wrote a pledge of allegiance to ISIS after his arrest and stated he and Kayumi wanted to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing."

  • On Saturday, the suspects allegedly ignited and hurled explosive devices outside Mayor Mamdani's residence.
  • On Monday evening, federal authorities executed a search warrant at a self-storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania in connection to the ongoing terror investigation.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old resident of Langhorne, Pennsylvania who is accused of carrying out the alleged ISIS-inspired attack.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old resident of Newtown, Pennsylvania who is accused of providing Balat with one of the explosive devices used in the alleged attack.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, whose residence was the target of the alleged ISIS-inspired attack.

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What they’re saying

“If he's going to be five minutes late, he calls. We didn't know what was going on.”

— Khayer Kayumi, Father of Ibrahim Kayumi (The New York Times)

“There was zero suspicious stuff going on at their house. Everybody was just in shock. Everyone. I could not believe it when I heard it. We thought it must be a mistake.”

— Violeta Sadauskiene, Neighbor of Emir Balat (Phillyburbs.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of young men becoming radicalized online and carrying out attacks far from traditional conflict zones, raising concerns about online extremism, public safety, and the ability of law enforcement to detect and prevent such plots.