Explosive Devices Thrown Near New York City Mayor’s Residence Spark Federal Terrorism Investigation
A federal terrorism investigation is underway after two devices containing explosive materials and fragmentation were thrown outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence, Gracie Mansion, on Saturday. The FBI confirmed late Sunday that the devices could have killed and maimed numerous people, and terrorism charges are pending.
The incident occurred during an anti-Islam protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang, which was met with a counter-protest of over 100 people. Two young men from Pennsylvania, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested after allegedly bringing homemade bombs to the gathering with the intention of causing harm. According to law enforcement sources, the devices consisted of a sports drink bottle filled with explosive material, set inside glass jars and surrounded by fragmentation, including nuts and bolts.
Devices Contained Volatile Explosive Material
The FBI’s Quantico lab analyzed the devices and determined that they contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a volatile explosive material often synthesized from acetone and hydrogen peroxide. The NYPD’s Bomb Squad initially sent the devices to the FBI for analysis, and later confirmed that both items were improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that could have caused serious injury or death.
A third suspicious device was found on Sunday in a vehicle on East End Avenue, near Gracie Mansion, prompting limited evacuations of nearby buildings while the Bomb Squad assessed and removed the device. The device was safely removed for further testing, and the NYPD provided an image of the black vehicle that was searched by the bomb squad.
Investigation and Charges
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken the lead in the investigation, and search warrants are expected to be executed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Investigators are looking into the overseas travel of Balat and Kayumi, who had both traveled to Istanbul and other countries in recent years. The FBI is also investigating whether the suspects were inspired by ISIS extremist messaging.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the devices as “a jar wrapped in tape, importantly with nuts, bolts and screws along with a hobby fuse.” The first device thrown by Balat extinguished itself after striking a barrier, while the second device was lit and dropped by Balat before being safely removed by police.
Mayor Mamdani condemned the protest and the attempted use of explosive devices, stating that it was “rooted in bigotry and racism” and had no place in New York City. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism and the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
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