FBI finds ‘explosive residue’ in storage unit related to ‘ISIS-inspired terrorism’ outside NYC mayor’s home
FBI Discovers Explosive Evidence in Pennsylvania Storage Unit Tied to ISIS-Inspired Attack Near NYC Mayor’s Home
The FBI confirmed on Tuesday that trace of explosives was found in a storage unit in Pennsylvania linked to a recent ISIS-inspired incident outside the residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The agency stated that a controlled explosion was executed as part of the investigation. The materials were believed to be connected to the attack that occurred over the weekend, during which improvised devices were hurled toward Gracie Mansion amid demonstrations.
Suspects and Legal Charges
Two Pennsylvania teenagers, Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, are now facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in the incident. Authorities reported that no devices were activated, and no injuries were reported. A law enforcement source noted that several components and chemicals were extracted from the storage facility. Some of these items were detonated by local police as a precautionary measure late Monday.
Evidence from Surveillance Video
NBC News obtained footage allegedly showing Balat purchasing a fireworks fuse from a store in Pennsylvania on March 2, five days prior to the attack. The video, shared by Phantom Fireworks, depicts the 18-year-old entering the Penndel location at around 12:40 p.m. and completing the transaction with cash. The company emphasized that Balat registered his ID with an employee, as required for all customers. Following the attempted bombing, the firm said it reviewed its records and identified Balat’s visit through a subpoena from federal prosecutors.
Statements and Motivations
According to the criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the suspects made remarks about the Islamic State before and after their arrest. Body camera footage from the arrest of Kayumi shows him stating “ISIS” in response to a question about the attack’s purpose. Federal prosecutors claimed the pair aimed to cause greater destruction than the Boston Marathon bombing, which resulted in three fatalities and over 260 injuries in 2013.
Protective Measures and Background
Lawyers for the teens sought protective custody for their clients at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn during a Monday court hearing. Mehdi Essmidi, Balat’s attorney, argued that the defendant, as a young man in New York City, needed protection from the general population. Kayumi’s attorney did not immediately respond to a comment request. Both suspects hail from Bucks County in southeastern Pennsylvania, with Balat residing in Langhorne and Kayumi in Newtown, according to officials.
Unanswered Questions About Earlier Explosions
Additional inquiries have emerged regarding unexplained explosion sounds in Pennsylvania from January, which occurred near the home of one of the suspects. NBC Philadelphia reported that the incidents took place in a nearby town. During a Monday press briefing, Mamdani criticized the attack, which occurred outside his official residence, calling it a “vile protest rooted in white supremacy.” He and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were at a Brooklyn museum when the devices were thrown.
“This is a publicly declared terror trial, this is the city of New York, he’s 18, and he’s exposed to the general population of what is called a hellhole, and we want to keep him protected,” Mehdi Essmidi told NBC News.
Connections and Vehicle Use
Although the exact relationship between Kayumi and Balat remains unclear, a source close to the case revealed they traveled from Pennsylvania to New York City in a car borrowed from an associate. The associate was unaware of the suspects’ intentions, as the vehicle was used for a different purpose. Questions also persist about whether the January explosions could be linked to the pair, though no definitive connection has been established.
The FBI has not provided further comments on the case, leaving some details to be clarified through ongoing investigations.
