- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Langhorne Today
By the People, for the People
Neshaminy Student Charged in NYC Terror Plot
School district responds to 18-year-old senior's alleged involvement in planned attack
Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:39pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Neshaminy School District in Pennsylvania is reacting after one of its students, 18-year-old senior Emir Balet, was charged by federal authorities in an alleged "ISIS-inspired" terrorism plot targeting New York City. School officials say Balet has not attended in-person classes since September and has been participating in the district's Virtual Academy remotely.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism, particularly among young people, and the challenges schools face in identifying and addressing concerning behaviors from students who may be radicalized online. The Neshaminy district is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of its schools and community.
The details
According to a federal criminal complaint, Balet told authorities he wanted to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon" one, saying "No, even bigger. That was only three deaths." Balet, a Middletown Township resident, was arrested on Saturday at a protest in New York City. School Superintendent Jason Bowman said the district has been in communication with local law enforcement and will fully cooperate with the FBI investigation.
- Balet has not attended in-person classes at Neshaminy High School since September 2025.
- Balet was arrested on Saturday, March 8, 2026 at a protest in New York City.
The players
Emir Balet
An 18-year-old senior at Neshaminy High School who was charged by federal authorities in an alleged "ISIS-inspired" terrorism plot targeting New York City.
Jason Bowman
The Superintendent of the Neshaminy School District, who provided details about Balet's involvement with the district and the district's response.
Brian Fitzpatrick
A U.S. Congressman who spoke with Superintendent Bowman and offered his full support to ensure close coordination with federal authorities.
What they’re saying
“No, even bigger. That was only three deaths,”
— Emir Balet
“Since learning the identity of the individual involved, the district has been in communication with our local law enforcement partners and will fully cooperate with the FBI as the investigation proceeds.”
— Jason Bowman, Superintendent, Neshaminy School District
“At this time, we have no information indicating any security concerns at the high school or at any of our district schools related to this situation. Nevertheless, we remain vigilant and will continue to monitor developments closely in coordination with local law enforcement, the FBI, and Congressman Fitzpatrick's office.”
— Jason Bowman, Superintendent, Neshaminy School District
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Emir Balet to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism, particularly among young people, and the challenges schools face in identifying and addressing concerning behaviors from students who may be radicalized online. The Neshaminy district is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of its schools and community.
