NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI discovered explosive residue in a storage unit in Pennsylvania while investigating two men linked to homemade bombs at a protest outside New York City’s mayoral residence. The suspects, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, reportedly said they were inspired by the Islamic State.
Both men are from the Philadelphia suburbs and traveled to New York for the protest at Gracie Mansion. After their arrest, Balat expressed a desire to cause devastation on a scale “even bigger” than the Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people.
On Monday, the FBI conducted controlled explosions where the residue was found at a storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The blasts created loud noises but posed no risk to nearby residents, according to local police. Multiple searches were carried out as part of the investigation.
The exact motivations and backgrounds of Balat and Kayumi remain unclear. Court documents reveal that Balat’s father is a Turkish immigrant who sought asylum in the U.S. in 1998. Balat himself is a senior at Neshaminy High School but has been attending classes online since September. His lawyer mentioned that he has “complicated stuff going on” in his life, hinting at deeper personal issues.
Kayumi, from nearby Newtown, graduated from Council Rock High School North in 2024. His attorney chose not to comment after a recent court hearing.
The two reportedly joined counterprotesters at a small anti-Muslim rally organized by far-right activist Jake Lang. Witnesses captured images of Balat throwing a device with a lit fuse, which was later identified as containing the explosive TATP. This device extinguished itself without causing injury. During the incident, Balat dropped another device near police officers and attempted to flee but was ultimately apprehended.
Both men now face several serious charges, including providing support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. They are currently held without bail and have not entered a plea.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated there is no indication this attack was linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran, but the city remains alert. Just days later, a park near the mayor’s residence was evacuated due to reports of another suspicious device, which was later deemed non-threatening.
Such incidents contribute to growing concerns about domestic threats. According to a recent study by the Anti-Defamation League, reported incidents of extremist violence has surged by over 70% in the past five years. This alarming trend underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in urban areas.
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