Two teens charged with ISIS-inspired bomb attack outside NYC Mayor Mamdani’s home

Two teenagers have been charged with terrorism‑related offences after allegedly attempting an ISIS‑inspired bomb attack outside the home of Zohran Mamdani in New York City, federal and local authorities said, in a case that drew national attention and raised concerns about extremist violence on U.S. soil.

Federal prosecutors identified the suspects as 18‑year‑old Emir Balat and 19‑year‑old Ibrahim Kayumi, both from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who are U.S. citizens and travelled to New York City on March 7. According to the criminal complaint, they brought improvised explosive devices to protests near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor. One device was ignited and thrown toward an opposing crowd of demonstrators but did not detonate , and the second was lit and dropped as Balat attempted to flee before police tackled him. A third suspicious device was later found in a nearby vehicle and is under investigation.

Investigators said the devices were constructed with jars wrapped in tape containing triacetone triperoxide (TATP) —a highly volatile explosive sometimes dubbed “Mother of Satan”—and filled with nuts, bolts and screws that would act as shrapnel. Law enforcement officials said the bombs were capable of “injury, maiming or worse” had they fully detonated.

According to authorities, while being transported to the police precinct after their arrest, Balat and Kayumi made statements asserting allegiance to the extremist group Islamic State and acknowledged that they had watched ISIS propaganda. Balat reportedly told officers he hoped the attack would be “even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing,” which killed three people in 2013. Kayumi also reportedly responded “ISIS” when asked why he had carried out his actions.

The incident occurred amid duelling demonstrations outside Gracie Mansion. A far‑right rally titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,” organised by activist Jake Lang, drew a small group of participants and provocative symbols, while a much larger counter‑protest formed nearby. No one at the scene was injured, and police worked quickly to secure the area.

Both teens have been charged in federal court with multiple offences, including attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, use of a weapon of mass destruction, and transportation of explosive materials ; some charges carry potential sentences ranging up to life in prison . They are being held without bail.

Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the violence, emphasising that peaceful protest is a protected right , even as authorities vowed to continue the investigation with the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Joint Terrorism Task Force. Officials are also examining a court‑authorized search of a storage unit in Pennsylvania related to the case.