ISIS-Inspired Bomb Plot Suspects Arraigned on Federal Charges in NYC

Two Pennsylvania men accused of attempting to carry out an ISIS-inspired bombing near the mayor’s residence in Manhattan pleaded not guilty to federal charges on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, appeared in federal court wearing beige prison jumpsuits and shackles. The pair face eight charges, including conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, and transporting explosive materials.

The charges stem from an incident on March 7, 2026, when Balat and Kayumi allegedly threw live explosive devices into a protest outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. According to investigators, the suspects traveled from Pennsylvania to New York City to execute the attack.

Law enforcement officials reported that the explosive devices did not detonate, and no injuries were reported. NYPD officers tackled and arrested both suspects after a chase through barricades.

Investigation and Evidence

Federal investigators revealed that the suspects left a voluminous digital trail. During the proceedings on April 15, 2026, officials confirmed they are currently reviewing data from 12 electronic devices.

View this post on Instagram about Balat, Kayumi

Additional evidence was recovered from a vehicle belonging to a relative of Balat. This evidence included notebooks, writings, and dash camera recordings that prosecutors claim capture the motivation and planning behind the plot.

Experts who examined the two recovered devices identified the presence of TATP, a highly explosive material often referred to as mother of satan.

The sequence of the attack on March 7 involved Balat throwing the first device, while Kayumi later provided Balat with a second device, which was lit and thrown near a group of NYPD officers.

Motivations and Official Response

Investigators stated that both men claimed inspiration from ISIS and pledged allegiance to the designated foreign terrorist organization. Kayumi allegedly admitted to watching ISIS propaganda on his cellphone, while Balat reportedly expressed a desire for the attack to exceed the carnage of the Boston Marathon bombing.

This was an alleged ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the defendants allegedly sought to inflict mass casualties in service to ISIS. FBI Director Kash Patel commended the NYPD officers for their actions in preventing loss of life on the streets of New York.

Court Proceedings

The arraignment lasted approximately one hour. Balat and Kayumi responded to the judge’s questions in loud, clear voices. During the hearing, family members of the suspects were present in the courtroom; an older man in the group became emotional and wiped away tears as his relative was referenced.

Following the hearing, the family members left the courthouse without responding to questions from reporters.

Both Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi will remain in custody as the federal case proceeds.