Two teenagers, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, who are alleged supporters of the Islamic State, are facing serious charges for their purported attempt to detonate explosive devices at a protest outside New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence. An indictment released on Tuesday reveals that the pair discussed their lethal intentions, with one of them stating, “I want to start terror, bro.”
Balat, 18, and Kayumi, 19, were apprehended on March 7 after allegedly igniting two improvised explosive devices during an anti-Islam demonstration outside Gracie Mansion. Reports indicate that Balat ignited one device and aimed it towards the protesters. Shortly after, Kayumi is said to have handed Balat another device, which he dropped near a group of police officers as he attempted to escape. Both individuals were arrested shortly thereafter.
The indictment outlines eight charges, including conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, the provision and attempted provision of such support, and conspiracy to employ a weapon of mass destruction. Additional charges include the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, the carrying of explosives during a federal felony, the transportation of explosive materials, interstate transport and receipt of explosives, and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
Prosecutors allege that the two drove to the protest from Pennsylvania while carrying the explosives. The demonstration was organized by far-right activist Jake Lang and around 20 supporters, under the banner “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.” On the same day, a counter-protest against Lang was also occurring at the site.
According to the indictment, video footage from their vehicle captured them discussing potential casualties. Kayumi reportedly told Balat, “All I know is I want to start terror, bro,” and expressed a desire to instill fear in the demonstrators. Balat is said to have calculated their plans, estimating they could kill between 8 to 16 individuals or possibly up to 60 if the protest drew a large crowd.
Balat allegedly expressed eagerness for the explosives to detonate, stating, “Just can’t wait for that bomb to go off and his [Individual-1’s] freaking head, his body to get split in half, bro, dead.” Kayumi reportedly commented on their target’s lack of recent social media activity, saying, “He hasn’t posted anything yet” and “bro, this is so cool.”
While being transported to the police precinct, Balat allegedly declared, “This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk bad about … our prophet. We take action!” He further claimed, “If I don’t do it, someone else will come and do it.” Balat reportedly waived his right to remain silent, and while at the precinct, he wrote, “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu kuffar! Emir B.”
Prosecutors noted that Kayumi also waived his rights and had been consuming radical content online. Both Balat and Kayumi are scheduled to be arraigned on April 15. Legal representatives for the accused have not yet responded to requests for comments.
