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A chilling plot to carry out an attack “bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing” was allegedly uncovered by federal prosecutors, who charged a suspect involved in the recent terror protest near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s Mayor, Zohran Mamdani. This revelation emerged from a criminal complaint filed on Monday.
Emir Balat, one of the suspects, reportedly made this alarming statement following his arrest. According to prosecutors, Balat, alongside his co-defendant Ibrahim Kayumi, had plans to execute an attack surpassing the notorious 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which tragically resulted in the loss of three lives and left over 500 people injured.
The complaint details that on Saturday, Balat and Kayumi attempted to deploy two explosive devices during a protest dubbed “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,” which escalated into a counter-protest in the proximity of Mayor Mamdani’s residence.
Initial tests reveal that at least one of the devices was constructed using triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly unstable explosive that has been a common element in several terrorist attacks over the last ten years.
Images captured of Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi during their arrest in New York City on Saturday have been widely circulated. The arrest was linked to their involvement with the explosive devices discovered at the protest location outside Gracie Mansion. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images; Reuters/Madison Swart)
Both men allegedly made statements referencing ISIS, with Kayumi captured on NYPD bodycam footage responding “ISIS” when asked why he carried out the attack, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors said Balat also later wrote on a piece of paper that he “pledge[d] allegiance [sic] to the Islamic State.”
The two defendants face five federal charges: attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization; use of a weapon of mass destruction; transportation of explosive materials; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
Balat and Kayumi appeared in handcuffs and shackles at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in downtown Manhattan on Monday.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8.
Following a NYPD and Justice Department news conference announcing the indictments against Balat and Kayumi, Mamdani confirmed the charges against the men in a statement.
“Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi have been charged with committing a heinous act of terrorism and proclaiming their allegiance to ISIS,” Mamdani said. “They should be held fully accountable for their actions.
“We will continue to keep New Yorkers safe. We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city.”