Ask Onix
Content warning: This article describes an alleged terrorist plot involving explosives.
Men accused of planning mass-casualty attack at Gracie Mansion
Federal prosecutors have charged two Pennsylvania men with attempting to detonate explosives outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's official residence during an anti-Islam protest on 7 March. Authorities allege the plot, linked to the Islamic State group (IS), aimed to kill up to 60 people.
Alleged motives and targets
An indictment unsealed on Tuesday accuses 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi of plotting a bombing intended to surpass the scale of the 2013 Boston Marathon attack, which left three dead. The men allegedly targeted an anti-Islam demonstration near Gracie Mansion, where the mayor resides.
Prosecutors say the suspects discussed their plans extensively in dashcam recordings recovered from their vehicle. In one exchange, Balat reportedly stated, "All I know is I want to start terror, bro. I want to petrify these people." The indictment claims he later specified a target range of 8 to 16 fatalities, or as many as 30 to 60 if the area were crowded.
Evidence and alternative attack plans
Investigators found a handwritten notebook in the suspects' car outlining bomb-making instructions and alternative attack methods, including using a vehicle to target festivals, parades, or celebrations. A third undetonated explosive was also recovered from the vehicle, according to court documents.
The dashcam footage, spanning three days, reportedly captures the men driving and discussing their intentions. Both suspects, who are U.S. citizens, waived their right to remain silent after their arrest, authorities said.
Statements and affiliations
Following his arrest, Balat allegedly wrote a note pledging allegiance to IS and calling for the death of "nonbelievers." Kayumi, meanwhile, told investigators he consumed IS propaganda and was partly inspired by the group, according to court records.
"I want to start terror, bro. I want to petrify these people."
Alleged statement by Emir Balat, recorded in dashcam footage
Arrest and aftermath
The suspects were detained on 7 March after one of their explosives failed to detonate. Footage of the incident shows an officer subduing a suspect moments after the device was ignited. No injuries were reported, and Mayor Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were not home at the time.
Balat and Kayumi have remained in custody since their arrest. The case is being prosecuted in federal court.
