NYPD Officers Commended for Thwarting Suspected ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot Near Gracie Mansion

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has lauded the bravery of two NYPD officers who acted swiftly to prevent an alleged ISIS-inspired terror attack near Gracie Mansion over the weekend. Their courageous actions have earned them both recognition and commendation.

During a press conference held on Monday, NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were praised by Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Just days earlier, these officers had risked their own safety to avert a potentially devastating attack when two explosive devices were discovered during a Saturday protest.

Chief Edwards reportedly sprang into action by leaping over a barrier and tackling Emir Balat, an 18-year-old suspect accused of throwing an improvised explosive device at a crowd of protesters. Edwards intervened just as Balat was about to launch a second device, which had been handed to him by 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi.

In the midst of the unfolding chaos, Sgt. Navarro heroically approached a second explosive device, which was already lit and emitting smoke. Commissioner Tisch highlighted Navarro’s decisive action, noting that he ran toward the device “without hesitation and without regard for his own safety.”

Mayor Mamdani addressed the media at Gracie Mansion, flanked by the heroic officers, underscoring the critical role they played in safeguarding the city. The joint efforts of Edwards and Navarro were instrumental in neutralizing the threat and ensuring the safety of the public. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis/AP)

Mamdani thanked both men for their bravery after also recognizing them in a private meeting. 

“That is courage, that is selflessness, and I am deeply grateful to both of them and to every member of the NYPD who works every single day to keep New Yorkers safe,” Mamdani said.

Edwards was recently promoted to borough chief of Manhattan North in December of last year after serving nearly 23 years as an NYPD officer, according to the New York Post.

Emir Balat flees after throwing a homemade explosive device toward police as NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro take action during a protest in front of Gracie Mansion in New York on March 7, 2026. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

Edwards was inspired to become an officer after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City. 

“I was a college student back in September 2001,” the new commanding officer of the NYPD’s Patrol Borough Manhattan North told the Post last year. “I saw what happened, and I took one of the first tests” for the academy.

“I saw it, I felt it. When everyone was running out [of the Twin Towers], we had our police officers and the other first-responders running in. I thought that was selfless heroism. It just drew me to the profession,” Edwards said. “Since I started, I fell in love with policing.”

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaks during a news conference with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, Monday, March 9, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

On Monday, Tisch said the officer’s actions on Saturday followed the same theme of his inspiration to join the department. 

“We saw that same spirit carried forward in the way that he responded,” Tisch said, according to the New York Daily News.

Additionally, Navarro has reportedly been on the force for 11 years and joined the NYPD after a friend encouraged him to take the exam. Like Edwards, he was promoted to his current rank in December. 

Both Balat and Kayumi are facing federal terrorism charges stemming from the alleged attack. 

The NYPD did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.