Alleged ISIS-inspired suburban terrorists lived 10 miles apart but were 'strangers' before NYC attack: Lawyer
Share this @internewscast.com

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. — The two Pennsylvania teenagers accused of planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack in New York City were previously unknown to each other, according to the defense attorney representing one of the suspects.

Ibrahim Kayumi, aged 19, from Newtown, and Emir Balat, aged 18, allegedly traveled from Bucks County to Manhattan, where they reportedly hurled live explosive devices into a protest outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Gracie Mansion residence on Saturday, federal authorities have stated.

Mehdi Essmidi, the lawyer for Balat, told reporters that the two young men had not met before the alleged incident.

“As far as I’m aware, they were strangers,” Essmidi remarked. “They hail from different regions of Pennsylvania, belong to separate age groups, and have no known connections. They do not reside together, nor do they share family or educational ties.”

Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19,

Balat, who is still in high school, has been completing his coursework remotely, his attorney revealed to the media.

Though Balat is in high school, his attorney told reporters that he was finishing classes remotely.

“He’s 18, he’s finishing school remotely because he has only like three classes left to do. He’s in his senior year,” Essmidi said.

A district spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Balat is currently in 12th grade in the Neshaminy School District. Kayumi graduated in 2024 from Council Rock High School North, school officials confirmed.

Map of Pennsylvania as it relates to Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi

Area where Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi lived in Pennsylvania. Kayumi graduated from Council Rock High School North. (Google Maps)

Prosecutors said in a complaint that a series of pictures show the men handling the alleged bomb, which was later determined to have contained TATP and had nuts and bolts attached with duct tape.

Exterior of

On Sunday, FBI agents searched the homes of 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi in Newtown and 18-year-old Emir Balat in Langhorne. The home is seen here on Monday, March 9.  (Greg Wehner for Fox News Digital)

Emir Balat's home

Emir Balat family’s home in Pennsylvania. Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were being held without bail after a court appearance Monday on charges that include attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction.  (Greg Wehner for Fox News Digital)

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday that the devices were real and capable of causing serious injury or death.

“This is being investigated as an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism,” Tisch said.

While at a precinct station after being arrested, Balat allegedly wrote and signed a pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State, according to federal prosecutors.

“All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State,” Balat allegedly wrote. “We take action.”

Suspect running away from Gracie Mansion in NYC

The suspect appears to run away after he allegedly threw the explosive. (United States District Court for the Southern District of New York)

Balat allegedly told law enforcement that he and Kayumi wanted to go through with an attack “bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing.”

WATCH: Gracie Mansion bomb suspects processed at New York City’s 19th precinct.

While being processed at a local precinct station, a police officer tried to stop Balat from making hand signals to the crowd, which some believe is a salute to ISIS.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secures majority government with special election wins

Mark Carney Leads Canadian Government to Majority Victory in Pivotal Election

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney achieved a significant political milestone on Monday…
California exodus strikes again as homebuilding giant pulls out

Major Homebuilder Exits California Amid Ongoing Population Shift

Another major company is waving goodbye to California. KB Home has revealed…
Michigan woman Lynette Hooker disappeared in Bahamas a week ago: Timeline of events, including arrest of husband Brian Hooker

Michigan Woman Lynette Hooker Vanishes in Bahamas: Husband Brian Hooker’s Arrest and Key Timeline of Events

More than a week has passed since Lynette Hooker, a 55-year-old devoted…
Monster typhoon in the Pacific Ocean is bearing down on group of remote US islands

Massive Pacific Typhoon Threatens Remote US Islands with Devastating Impact

A powerful super typhoon is on a collision course with several remote…
Trump reveals why he deleted AI post of himself as Jesus-like figure — and takes shot at Riley Gaines

Trump Explains Deletion of AI-Generated Jesus Image, Criticizes Riley Gaines in Latest Commentary

On Monday, President Trump clarified his decision to remove an AI-generated image…
Broadway's 'Rocky Horror' revival limits audience participation, disappointing fans

Broadway’s ‘Rocky Horror’ Revival Imposes New Restrictions on Audience Participation, Leaving Fans Disheartened

“Dammit, Janet!” The iconic musical “The Rocky Horror Show” is making its…
Holllywood A-listers gave Eric Swalwell thousands

Hollywood’s Elite Donate Thousands to Support Congressman Eric Swalwell’s Campaign

Eric Swalwell found himself at home among Hollywood’s progressive stars, and they…
NYC judge seeks to make example of officer who threw cooler at fleeing suspect, causing fatal crash

Controversial Pardon Promise: Governor Candidate Pledges to Free Officer Convicted in Fatal Pursuit

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican contender for New York’s governorship, has pledged to…
FBI raids Texas home of suspect accused of throwing Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman's San Francisco house

FBI Conducts Texas Home Search in Connection to Molotov Cocktail Incident at Sam Altman’s Residence

SPRING, Texas – The FBI has conducted a raid on the residence…
Firebug busted for allegedly hurling Molotov cocktail that set NYC store ablaze

Suspect Arrested for Alleged Molotov Cocktail Attack on NYC Store

A man previously arrested 15 times was apprehended for allegedly throwing a…
'It seemed like a lifetime': Pilot recounts emergency landing on Phoenix street

Pilot Shares Harrowing Experience of Emergency Landing on Phoenix Street

Inside the vintage 1940s seaplane, the pilot shared his account of the…
Trump admin to break ground on NYC gas pipeline that riled green activists

Trump Administration Set to Commence Construction on Controversial NYC Gas Pipeline, Sparking Environmental Debate

On Tuesday, the Trump administration is set to mark a significant milestone…