Federal prosecutors have charged a suspect involved in an attack at a terror protest near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The suspect allegedly intended to execute a plan that would surpass the devastation of the Boston Marathon bombing, as revealed in a criminal complaint filed on Monday.
After his apprehension, Emir Balat allegedly claimed he and his accomplice, Ibrahim Kayumi, aimed to orchestrate an attack more catastrophic than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which resulted in three deaths and over 500 injuries.
The complaint details that on Saturday, Balat and Kayumi attempted to activate two explosive devices during a protest and counter-protest titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” held near Mayor Mamdani’s residence.
Initial tests have shown that at least one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly unstable explosive frequently used in terrorist activities over the past ten years.
Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were taken into custody in New York City on Saturday. They are accused of deploying two explosive devices at a protest staged outside Gracie Mansion, the home of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images; Reuters/Madison Swart)
The complaint further states that both suspects made remarks alluding to ISIS. Kayumi was reportedly recorded on an NYPD bodycam, responding with “ISIS” when questioned about his motives for the attack.
Prosecutors said Balat also later wrote on a piece of paper that he “pledge[d] allegiance [sic] to the Islamic State.”
The two defendants face five federal charges: attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization; use of a weapon of mass destruction; transportation of explosive materials; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
Balat and Kayumi appeared in handcuffs and shackles at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in downtown Manhattan on Monday.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8.
Following a NYPD and Justice Department news conference announcing the indictments against Balat and Kayumi, Mamdani confirmed the charges against the men in a statement.
“Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi have been charged with committing a heinous act of terrorism and proclaiming their allegiance to ISIS,” Mamdani said. “They should be held fully accountable for their actions.
“We will continue to keep New Yorkers safe. We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city.”
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