Suspects who allegedly threw bomb outside NYC mayor’s home wanted to kill 60 people, prosecutors say

Attempted attack during anti-Islam protest linked to Islamic State group

Two individuals, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, both U.S. citizens from Pennsylvania, are accused of planning a bombing at a protest near the residence of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani. Federal prosecutors claim the pair aimed to kill up to 60 people, citing their alleged connection to the Islamic State group (IS). A Tuesday-released indictment outlines their charges, including an attempt to detonate explosives outside Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official home.

“All I know is I want to start terror, bro,” Balat reportedly said in a recorded dashcam video. “I want to petrify these people.”

The incident occurred on 7 March during an anti-Islam demonstration, though the explosives failed to detonate. Police believe the attack was intended to be “even larger” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which resulted in three fatalities. Investigators found a notebook and three days of dashcam footage in the vehicle used by the suspects, revealing their preparations and alternative attack strategies.

The notebook contained a list of materials required to build a homemade bomb, as well as plans to target events like festivals, parades, or celebrations using a vehicle. The dashcam captured hours of Balat and Kayumi discussing their intentions, including a conversation where Balat estimated the potential casualties based on crowd density. The pair waived their right to remain silent after arrest, per court documents.

Following his detention, Balat requested paper to write a statement pledging allegiance to IS and calling for the death of nonbelievers. Kayumi also admitted his affiliation with IS, stating he had watched propaganda on his phone and was inspired by the group. Footage shows one suspect being apprehended moments after an explosive was ignited, though it did not detonate. Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were not present at the time. The suspects have remained in custody since their arrest on 7 March.