FBI hunts for clues after 2 men charged with lighting bombs at NYC protest

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Emir Balat attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device at a counterprotest against a far-right influencer outside Gracie Mansion in New York City. Balat dropped a second device near police before being apprehended. Balat and another individual, Kayumi, were arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. Both are being held without bail. According to a criminal complaint, Balat stated he intended the attack to be "even bigger" than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Authorities have stated that there is no indication the attack is connected to the war in Iran.

Two men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were charged with terror offenses after allegedly attempting to detonate homemade bombs at an anti-Islam protest outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence, Gracie Mansion, on Saturday. Authorities found three bombs in total, including one in their car. The suspects, inspired by the Islamic State group (IS), allegedly aimed for the attack to be larger than the Boston Marathon bombing. The explosives did not detonate as intended. The suspects are facing charges including attempting to provide material support to IS and using a weapon of mass destruction. They are being detained until their next court appearance on April 8.