Explosives thrown outside NYC mayor’s residence probed as ‘act of ISIS-inspired terrorism’: Officials

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection with ISIS-Inspired Terrorism Attack Near Gracie Mansion

Authorities in New York City are investigating two improvised explosive devices that were brought to a counterprotest outside Gracie Mansion as “an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism.” The suspects arrested in connection with the incident are facing federal terrorism charges, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The devices, which contained the volatile substance TATP, were designed to cause harm and destruction, Tisch stated during a press conference. She emphasized that these were not hoax devices or smoke bombs, but actual improvised explosive devices.

A third suspected IED was found in the car of the two suspects parked on the East Side of Manhattan, leading to the immediate evacuation of nearby homes. Fortunately, this device did not test positive for explosives.

All of the devices are currently being sent to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia, for further testing and analysis. Tisch confirmed that the two Pennsylvania men in custody in connection with the devices will be charged with federal crimes, although the specific details of the complaint have not been disclosed. The suspects have been identified as Emir Balat of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and Ibrahim Kayumi of Newton, Pennsylvania.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mandami expressed strong condemnation for the suspected act of terrorism, stating, “Anyone who comes to NYC to bring violence to our streets will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” The explosives were reportedly deployed at an anti-Muslim protest outside Gracie Mansion, organized by far-right, anti-immigrant figure Jack Lang under the banner of “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.”

Key Points:

• Two improvised explosive devices brought to a counterprotest near Gracie Mansion are being investigated as an act of terrorism.
• The suspects arrested in connection with the incident are facing federal terrorism charges.
• The devices contained the volatile substance TATP and were intended to cause harm.
• A third suspected IED was found in the suspects’ car, leading to an evacuation in the area.
• The suspects, identified as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, will be charged with federal crimes.
• The explosives were deployed at an anti-Muslim protest organized by far-right provocateur Jack Lang.