Two Men Charged in Attempted Bombing Near Gracie Mansion
National News - The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced charges against Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, on Monday, March 9, 2026. The individuals are accused of attempting to detonate two explosive devices near Gracie Mansion in New York City.
The incident occurred on March 7, 2026. Authorities allege the men were acting in support of ISIS.
At approximately 12:15 p.m., two opposing protests were taking place outside the official mayoral residence. Balat allegedly ignited an explosive device and threw it toward the gathered crowd.
He then moved down the block and received a second device from Kayumi. Balat ignited the second device and dropped it near several New York Police Department officers. Both men were apprehended by law enforcement officers at the scene.
A preliminary examination by the FBI determined the devices were approximately the size of mason jars. They contained TATP, a highly volatile explosive. The devices featured attached fuses. They were wrapped in duct tape with nuts and bolts attached to the exterior.
On March 8, 2026, a vehicle linked to Balat was located nearby. Investigators recovered materials consistent with device construction, including a hobby fuse and a notebook containing chemical lists and device components.
Following the arrest, Balat made several statements to law enforcement. He stated, "this isn't a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet . . . We take action! We take action!" He also said, "if I didn't do it someone else will come and do it."
At the precinct, Balat wrote a note that read, "All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar! Emir B." When asked if he hoped to accomplish something similar to the Boston Marathon bombing, Balat responded, "No, even bigger. It was only three deaths." Kayumi also confirmed his affiliation with ISIS. When asked by a bystander why he committed the act, Kayumi replied, "ISIS."
Federal officials issued multiple statements regarding the incident.
"This was an alleged ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "We will not allow ISIS's poisonous, anti-American ideology to threaten this nation-our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant, as they were when these devices were brought to a protest."
"These men allegedly sought to inflict mass casualties in service to ISIS with the hope of exceeding the carnage of the Boston Marathon bombing," said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. "We are tremendously grateful to the brave law enforcement officers who ran into harm's way to apprehend these individuals and disarm the explosives before anyone was harmed. Thanks to the quick investigative work by federal law enforcement, this Department of Justice will prosecute these men who pledged allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization to the fullest extent."
"The defendants allegedly support ISIS and tried to follow the path of that deadly group by attempting to detonate explosive devices in a crowd," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "The FBI and our partners have no tolerance for terrorist organizations or those inspired by them to engage in attacks. We are committed to stopping acts of violence and will hold accountable those who seek to harm our citizens. I want to commend the brave NYPD officers who took action to prevent injuries or loss of life on the streets of New York."
"This alleged act of terrorism, including the packing of metal shrapnel into explosive devices, reveal an intent to cause multiple deaths or serious injuries," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "This is a sober reminder of the threat posed by ISIS and its despicable ideology. NSD will continue to use all tools at its disposal to protect this Nation and its Nation's people."
"As alleged, on Saturday, March 7, during a protest taking place outside Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi attempted to detonate two improvised explosive devices amongst the protesters," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York.
"Moreover, after being apprehended by NYPD officers, both Balat and Kayumi stated they were aligned with ISIS. Free speech and peaceable assembly are the bedrock of American democracy. Violence is not protected speech, and it's not protected protest. In New York, violence-particularly acts of terror-will be met with swift justice. This investigation remains ongoing, and we encourage anyone with further information to please contact tips.fbi.gov online or 1-800-CALL-FBI."
Balat and Kayumi face multiple federal charges. These charges include the attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the use of a weapon of mass destruction, and the unlawful possession of destructive devices.
The investigation is being managed by the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and the National Security and International Narcotics Unit for the Southern District of New York.
Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.
