Mamdani refuses to condemn alleged ISIS-loving bomb tossers
Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a press conference on Monday addressing the recent incident involving a pair of alleged ISIS-loving radical Islamists who were charged with tossing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Gracie Mansion during an anti-Muslim protest. The suspects, identified as Ibraham Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, were arrested following the incident.
During the press conference, Mayor Mamdani emphasized that anyone who comes to New York City with the intention of bringing violence to the streets will be held accountable in accordance with the law. He condemned the act of terrorism and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its residents.
The IEDs thrown by the suspects were initially believed to be homemade smoke grenades but were later determined to be highly volatile bombs that did not detonate. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the devices were indeed improvised explosive devices designed to cause harm or worse.
The suspects allegedly used “Mother of Satan” (triacetone triperoxide, or TATP), a volatile explosive commonly used by international terrorists, to construct the homemade bomb. A third device was found in a vehicle linked to the suspects, but it tested negative for explosive material after being removed by a robot.
The suspects had traveled to Manhattan to counterprotest an anti-Muslim demonstration organized by Jake Lang, described as a right-wing agitator. Mayor Mamdani denounced the protest as rooted in white supremacy and emphasized that while he found it appalling, he believes in upholding the right to peaceful protest.
The incident is being investigated as “ISIS-inspired terrorism,” according to Commissioner Tisch. The FBI has taken over the investigation and conducted searches at the suspects’ homes in Bucks County, near Philadelphia. The suspects are expected to face federal charges, which will be unsealed in the coming days.
In conclusion, Mayor Mamdani and law enforcement officials are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and holding accountable those who seek to bring violence and harm to the city. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with a focus on uncovering any potential ties to terrorist organizations.
