Two ISIS-inspired men charged with terror offences after explosives thrown outside Mamdani's NYC residence

The suspects were identified as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, who authorities said were supporters of the terror group ISIS.

“This was an alleged ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “We will not allow ISIS’s poisonous, anti-American ideology to threaten this nation. Our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant, as they were when these devices were brought to a protest.”

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the two men allegedly planned to cause mass casualties in the name of ISIS and hoped to exceed the death toll of the Boston Marathon bombing.

“We are tremendously grateful to the brave law enforcement officers who ran into harm’s way to apprehend these individuals and disarm the explosives before anyone was harmed,” Blanche said.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the defendants allegedly attempted to emulate ISIS tactics by trying to detonate explosive devices in a crowd.

“The FBI and our partners have no tolerance for terrorist organizations or those inspired by them to carry out attacks,” Patel said. “We remain committed to stopping acts of violence and holding accountable those who seek to harm our citizens.”

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said the alleged attack, including the use of explosive devices packed with metal shrapnel, indicated an intent to cause multiple deaths or serious injuries.

“This is a sober reminder of the threat posed by ISIS and its despicable ideology,” Eisenberg said.

According to US Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York, the incident occurred on March 7 during a protest outside Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The location serves as the official residence of the Mayor of New York City.

Two demonstrations were taking place at the site — one titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer,” and a counter-protest called “Run Nazis Out of New York City.”

At around 12:15 p.m., authorities said Balat allegedly ignited and threw an explosive device toward the area where protesters had gathered.

Shortly afterwards, Balat reportedly moved down the block and received a second explosive device from Kayumi. After igniting the second device, Balat allegedly dropped it near several New York Police Department officers before attempting to flee by jumping over a barricade.

He was quickly tackled and arrested by NYPD officers. Kayumi was also arrested at the scene.

While being transported to a police precinct, Balat allegedly told officers, “This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet… We take action! We take action! If I didn’t do it someone else will come and do it.”

At the precinct, Balat reportedly wrote a note stating: “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage you kuffar! Emir B.”

“Kuffar” is an Arabic term referring to non-believers, while “Die in your rage” is a slogan associated with ISIS.

According to the Justice Department, when asked by investigators whether he was familiar with the Boston Marathon bombing and whether he had intended something similar, Balat allegedly replied: “No, even bigger. It was only three deaths.”

After the suspects were detained, an FBI bomb technician examined the devices and determined that each was about the size of a mason jar and equipped with a fuse. The devices also had nuts and bolts attached to the exterior and were wrapped in duct tape.

A preliminary analysis found that one of the devices contained TATP, a highly volatile explosive often referred to as the “Mother of Satan” due to its extreme sensitivity to heat, friction and impact. TATP has been used in several terrorist attacks worldwide over the past decade.

Balat, 18, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and Kayumi, 19, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, face multiple charges including attempted provision of material support 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.

The charge of using a weapon of mass destruction carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while the other charges carry penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years in prison.

Authorities said the minimum and maximum penalties are determined by law, and any sentence will ultimately be decided by a federal judge.