Authorities in New York City are investigating whether the men who brought improvised explosive devices to a protest outside Gracie Mansion were inspired by ISIS.
The men were identified as 18-year-old Emir Balat, a high school student, and 19-year old Ibrahim Kayumi, both from Pennsylvania. They are accused of throwing and igniting two objects, one of which was confirmed to be an IED. The devices did not explode after being thrown.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the explosives could have caused serious injury or death.
The two are charged in a five-count federal complaint with attempting to provide support to ISIS, use of a weapon of mass destruction and other charges.
The pair made a brief court appearance. A federal magistrate ordered both held without bail. They appeared in white Tyvek suits, seated at the same defense table, separated by their attorneys. They were shackled and said nothing other than answering a basic question or two. They did not enter a plea.
Neither Mayor Mamdani nor his wife were home at the time.
“Anyone who comes to New York City to bring violence to our streets will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” said Mamdani. “As this case continues to develop I will remain in close contact and communication with our police commissioner. I want to say thank you once again to everyone who acted on Saturday to protect their fellow New Yorkers and to uphold the values of this city.”
The devices were thrown during counterprotests during a "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" event led by a far right activist.
Mamdani defended the right to protest — peacefully.
“While I found this protest appalling, I will not waver in my belief that it should be allowed to happen,” he said. “Ours is a free society where the right to peaceful protest is sacred. It does not belong only to those we agree with. it belongs to everyone.”
Balat allegedly claimed that they wanted to carry out an attack bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing, which he noted caused only three deaths.
“NYC will never tolerate violence whether from protests or counterprotests,” said Mamdani. “Many of the counterprotestors met this display of bigotry peacefully with a vision of a city that is welcoming to all. But a few did not.”
The explosives tested positive for TATP - a dangerous and highly volatile chemical used in IED attacks around the world. The devices are being sent to the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, for additional testing.