New York City officials confirm that the weekend explosive attack near the Mayor’s residence is being investigated as a federal terrorism case
photo of the ISIS Flag
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NEW YORK, NY — In a chilling update to the weekend’s chaotic protests, NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced Monday that the attempted bombing near Gracie Mansion is officially being treated as an “act of ISIS-inspired terrorism.” Two Pennsylvania teenagers, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, are set to face federal charges in Manhattan following the deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a high-tension protest on the Upper East Side.
The Incident: Homemade Bombs and Heroic Responses
The incident occurred Saturday during a confrontation between a far-right group led by activist Jake Lang and counterprotesters. According to investigators:
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The Weapons: Suspects allegedly threw a homemade explosive device described as a jar filled with nuts, screws, and bolts—classic hallmarks of a shrapnel-based IED.
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The Recovery: Law enforcement recovered a second unexploded device nearby.
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NYPD Bravery: Commissioner Tisch and Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised Assistant Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro, who reportedly ran toward the ignited device to protect the public.
A City on Edge: “Vile Protest Rooted in White Supremacy”
The arrests come at a time of heightened political tension. The protest, which featured Lang and supporters in “Freedom” sweatshirts, was met by over 125 counterprotesters.
Mayor Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim mayor, condemned the original protest as “vile” and “rooted in white supremacy,” while simultaneously defending the right to protest. However, he was firm on the escalation to violence:
“These men attempted to bring violence to New York City. While I found this protest appalling, I will not waver in my belief that it should be allowed to happen—but violence is where the line is drawn.”
Who are the Suspects?
The federal investigation, led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), is now digging into the backgrounds of the two men:
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Emir Balat (18): A student at Neshaminy High School in Pennsylvania. The district has confirmed they are cooperating with law enforcement but stated there is no current threat to the school.
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Ibrahim Kayumi (19): Also from Pennsylvania; both men are expected to be charged in federal court on Monday afternoon.
Current Investigation Status
The FBI is currently reviewing video footage and conducting interviews. They have urged anyone with information or cell phone footage of the Saturday protest to contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Key Takeaways: Gracie Mansion Security Incident
| Detail | Summary |
| Location | Upper East Side, near Gracie Mansion |
| Suspects | Emir Balat (18) & Ibrahim Kayumi (19) |
| Investigation | ISIS-inspired federal terrorism probe |
| Charges | Pending in Manhattan Federal Court |
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I think it was a mostly peaceful terrorist bomb attack
Absolutely, Mamdani pegged it right.
Those poor ISIS folks were just so upset by that nasty right wing Islamophobic demonstration…………………………………….
What else could they do??????????