On Monday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose not to explicitly denounce two individuals accused of being ISIS sympathizers, who allegedly threw improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Gracie Mansion during a heated protest against Muslims on Saturday.
In a press conference held outside Gracie Mansion, Mayor Mamdani, accompanied by NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, addressed the alarming incident. “They are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism,” Mamdani stated, referring to the accused individuals.
“There’s video evidence showing these two people hurling devices toward the protestors. The police have identified these as improvised explosive devices designed to cause injury, maim, or even worse,” he explained. The mayor went on to emphasize, “To be clear, anyone who brings violence to New York City streets will face legal consequences.”
Despite taking a firm stance against the anti-Muslim protestors, Mayor Mamdani did not specifically address allegations that the counter-protesters were influenced by ISIS propaganda. Notably, he is the city’s first Muslim mayor.
The suspects, Ibraham Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, both from Pennsylvania, were apprehended following the Saturday incident after allegedly throwing an IED near the protestors, intensifying concerns over the motives and influences behind their actions.
Ibraham Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, both of Pennsylvania, were arrested following the incident on Saturday after an IED was tossed near the protesters.
Tisch said the act was being investigated as “ISIS-inspired terrorism.”
