NEW YORK (AP) — A court complaint revealed that two men, who carried explosives to a far-right protest near the New York City mayor’s residence, claimed inspiration from the Islamic State group.
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, faced charges such as attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. They remain in custody without bail following their court appearance. Lawyers for the accused did not seek bail but may do so later.
During a protest against Islam led by far-right activist Jake Lang, homemade explosives were thrown amidst counterprotests. The devices, which did not detonate, were aimed at disrupting the event outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence.
FBI New York office chief James Barnacle stated, “Balat and Kayumi sought to incite fear and mass suffering through this alleged attempted terror attack in the backyard of an elected city official.”
In court, Kayumi smiled at Balat as the judge read the charges, while Balat looked forward. The complaint details that Kayumi mentioned “ISIS” during his arrest, and Balat claimed allegiance to the group.
When questioned about his intentions, Balat allegedly expressed aspirations for a larger scale attack than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Defense and Investigation Insights
Balat’s attorney, Mehdi Essmidi, described his client as a high school senior with personal challenges, suggesting he was unaware of his actions. Kayumi’s lawyer, Michael Arthus, requested that the case’s publicity be managed to avoid influencing potential jurors.
Investigations by the FBI included searches of a Pennsylvania storage unit linked to the case. Balat, a virtual student at Neshaminy High School, had not attended in-person classes since September.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted the absence of criminal records for the defendants. Essmidi believed the accused did not know each other well, stating they had no prior connections.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi assured that anti-American ideologies would not be tolerated.
Unrelated Charges and Additional Details
Commissioner Tisch confirmed no links between the event and the ongoing situation in Iran. Authorities tracked the suspects entering New York City shortly before the incident. Kayumi’s mother reported him missing that morning.
The vehicle used by the men, owned by a Balat family member, contained materials possibly intended for explosives.
Amid the demonstration, Balat was seen throwing a jar-sized device containing TATP and covered in duct-taped nuts and bolts. Police intervened, arresting both Balat and Kayumi after a second explosive attempt.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton declared, “Violence that is meant to chill free speech, violence that is meant to keep us from assembling peaceably, will be met with swift justice.”
Chaos and Arrests
The protest atmosphere was already tense before the explosives were introduced. Ian McGinnis, 21, was arrested for pepper-spraying counterprotesters. He was released without bond after pleading not guilty to assault charges.
Lang, who has a history of charges related to the January 6 Capitol riot, was present and heckled officials during a press briefing at Gracie Mansion.
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Corrections have been made to reflect accurate information regarding suspect identification and affiliations.
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Associated Press contributions by Michael Catalini in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and David Collins in Hartford, Connecticut.
