Federal investigators say an ISIS Inspired Attack plot targeted a protest near a New York political residence. Authorities accused two Pennsylvania teenagers of throwing explosive devices during a demonstration outside the mayor’s home in New York City. The alleged incident has raised new concerns about domestic radicalization and security threats.
Prosecutors identified the suspects as Ibrahim Kayumi and Emir Balat. Officials said the two traveled from Pennsylvania to Manhattan before the protest began. They allegedly threw explosive devices toward a crowd gathered outside Gracie Mansion.
The residence belongs to Zohran Mamdani, whose home frequently hosts demonstrations and political gatherings. Authorities said the protest occurred outside the building when the devices were thrown. Investigators later confirmed the explosives were real and capable of causing serious injuries.
The ISIS Inspired Attack investigation revealed that the two suspects reportedly lived about ten miles apart in Pennsylvania. However, a defense lawyer representing Balat told reporters the teenagers were strangers before the alleged plot. According to the attorney, they had no known family ties, school connections, or shared residence.
Balat’s lawyer explained that the eighteen-year-old student was finishing his final high school classes remotely. School officials confirmed he previously attended Neshaminy High School before switching to remote learning. Kayumi graduated earlier from Council Rock High School North.
Federal prosecutors said investigators recovered photographs showing the suspects handling a homemade explosive device. Authorities said the device allegedly contained TATP along with nuts and bolts attached using duct tape. Investigators believe the design could have caused severe injuries if the device had detonated in a crowded area.
Police officials confirmed the explosives formed a central part of the ISIS Inspired Attack investigation. Jessica Tisch said the devices were fully functional. She added that authorities are treating the case as terrorism linked to extremist ideology.
According to prosecutors, Balat allegedly wrote a pledge of allegiance to the extremist group after his arrest. Investigators said he signed a written message promising loyalty to the Islamic State. Officials believe the statement could provide further evidence of ideological motivation behind the alleged plot.
Law enforcement agencies also searched locations connected to the suspects during the investigation. Authorities executed a search warrant at a storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Federal agents later reported finding explosive residue at the unit connected to the suspects.
Bomb technicians then conducted a controlled detonation to ensure public safety around the storage site. Federal agents coordinated the operation with regional bomb squads and investigators from multiple agencies. Officials said the safety procedure prevented potential danger to nearby residents.
Investigators also revealed that one suspect allegedly discussed carrying out an attack larger than the Boston Marathon bombing. Authorities say the statement highlights the seriousness of the alleged threat. The case now continues through the federal court system as prosecutors pursue terrorism related charges.
