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Suspects who allegedly threw bomb outside NYC mayor's home wanted to kill 60 people, prosecutors say

April 8, 2026

Two Pennsylvania men, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, face federal charges for allegedly attempting to detonate explosives outside New York City's Gracie Mansion during an anti-Islam protest on March 7th. Federal prosecutors claim the pair, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, intended to kill between 8 and 60 people in what they hoped would surpass the deadly 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Authorities discovered dashcam recordings of the suspects discussing their plans, a notebook with bomb-making instructions and alternative attack scenarios, and a third explosive device in their vehicle.

Who is affected

  • Emir Balat (18 years old) and Ibrahim Kayumi (19 years old) - the accused suspects
  • Potential victims who attended the anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji (though they were not home during the incident)
  • Federal prosecutors and law enforcement authorities involved in the case
  • The broader New York City community

What action is being taken

  • Balat and Kayumi are being held in custody (since their March 7th arrest)
  • Federal prosecutors are pursuing charges against both men
  • The case is proceeding through the court system with an indictment released on Tuesday

Why it matters

  • This case represents a serious domestic terrorism threat inspired by the Islamic State group, demonstrating that IS propaganda continues to radicalize individuals within the United States. The alleged plot targeted a large gathering of people and could have resulted in mass casualties exceeding those of the Boston Marathon bombing if successful. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns around high-profile locations and public events, as well as the persistent danger posed by homegrown extremists who can access bomb-making information and materials.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC