Two individuals, Ibraham Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, both from Pennsylvania, were arrested last Saturday, March 7, 2026, after allegedly attempting to throw improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at conservative demonstrators outside Gracie Mansion in Manhattan. Authorities stated that the devices, which contained the highly unstable explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP), failed to detonate, preventing what officials described as a potentially deadly incident.
"It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death." — NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch
The confrontation occurred during a protest organized by conservative activist Jake Lang and approximately 20 supporters, who were demonstrating against what they characterized as public Muslim prayers occurring on city streets. A larger group of over 100 counterprotesters also gathered, leading to clashes that involved incidents such as egg-throwing and pepper spray. During this volatile environment, one of the IEDs was reportedly lit and thrown toward Lang's supporters but did not explode. NYPD Bomb Squad officers quickly secured the device, and a second identical device was later discovered in a vehicle linked to the suspects, according to The Guardian. Both devices have since been sent for further examination.
Law enforcement officials reported that Kayumi and Balat admitted to consuming ISIS propaganda and stated their intention to target right-wing demonstrators. Their motive, they told authorities, was retaliation for perceived insults to their faith. Further investigation revealed that Balat had spent over three months in Istanbul last year. Kayumi's travel history between 2019 and 2024 included trips to Istanbul, Saudi Arabia, and Melbourne, Australia. Both men reportedly received terrorist training during these travels, according to the New York Post.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the serious nature of the threat. "It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death," she stated, commending the swift actions of law enforcement personnel. Mayor Zohran Mamdani also condemned the attempted attack, stating, "Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible." The Mayor made these remarks without commenting on the counterprotesters' general involvement in the broader incident. At a press conference on Monday, Mayor Mamdani also reportedly condemned white supremacy, a statement that drew criticism from some quarters given the nature of the alleged terror plot.
TATP, the explosive compound found in the devices, is known for its extreme instability and its use in several international terror attacks due to its ease of assembly from common household chemicals. Experts caution that TATP is highly sensitive to friction, heat, and shock, posing significant hazards, particularly to individuals without proper training in handling explosives. Previous attacks utilizing TATP have resulted in fatalities in various countries, including France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and India. The rapid intervention by police in this case is credited with preventing casualties, The Post noted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the ongoing investigation, and both Kayumi and Balat are expected to face federal charges. Authorities are treating the incident as ISIS-inspired terrorism, underscoring the persistent domestic threat posed by individuals radicalized by foreign extremist ideologies. Search warrants have been executed at the suspects' Pennsylvania homes, and the devices are undergoing additional testing at the FBI’s Quantico laboratory.
In addition to the two bomb suspects, six arrests were made during the protest event for various offenses, including explosives, assault, and disorderly conduct. Ian McGinnis, a protester associated with Jake Lang’s group, was charged with assault and reckless endangerment for allegedly pepper-spraying counterprotesters. The investigation remains active as federal authorities continue to gather evidence and assess the full scope of the alleged plot.
