Suspects Accused of Gracie Mansion Bomb Attack Purchased Fuse at Pennsylvania Fireworks Store

Surveillance video shows one of the suspects buying fuse days before alleged IED attack near NYC mayor's residence.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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One of the two men accused of throwing improvised explosive devices at protesters outside the New York City mayor's residence appears to have purchased fuses at a fireworks store in a Philadelphia suburb last week, according to CBS News. Surveillance video shows 18-year-old Emir Balat buying a 20-foot roll of safety fuse at Phantom Fireworks in Penndel, Pennsylvania, five days before the alleged attack.

Why it matters

The purchase of materials potentially used in the alleged attack raises further questions about the planning and intent behind the incident, which authorities are investigating as an act of potential terrorism. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring and preventing such threats, especially those involving easily accessible materials.

The details

According to the report, Balat purchased the fuse for $6.89 including tax, and the store's vice president said the purchase was "uneventful" and "almost a non-event." The FBI has since contacted the store's national security director as part of the investigation. Balat and his co-defendant, 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, are accused of driving from Pennsylvania to New York City, where they allegedly threw the explosive devices near protesters and the mayor's residence.

  • On March 2, Balat purchased the fuse at Phantom Fireworks in Penndel, Pennsylvania.
  • The alleged attack occurred on March 7 outside Gracie Mansion in New York City.

The players

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old Pennsylvania resident accused of purchasing fuses used in the alleged IED attack near Gracie Mansion.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old Pennsylvania resident accused of participating in the alleged IED attack near Gracie Mansion.

Phantom Fireworks

A fireworks store in Penndel, Pennsylvania where Balat allegedly purchased fuses.

William Weimer

The vice president and general counsel for Phantom Fireworks Company.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Coming in and buying that was uneventful. Had he bought 20 rolls of fuse, it might have raised eyebrows. But buying one or two items of anything in this store is almost a non-event. Nothing remarkable about the purchase.”

— William Weimer, Vice President and General Counsel, Phantom Fireworks Company (CBS News)

What’s next

The FBI is continuing its investigation into the alleged attack, and a federal indictment against Balat and Kayumi is forthcoming.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring and preventing acts of potential terrorism, especially when materials used in such attacks can be easily obtained from legitimate businesses. It also raises questions about the planning and intent behind the alleged Gracie Mansion incident.