Federal investigators are examining whether an improvised explosive device attack outside Gracie Mansion was influenced by ISIS extremist messaging.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Federal authorities have launched a terrorism investigation after improvised explosive devices were ignited during a protest outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence at Gracie Mansion.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force opened the probe following the incident Saturday, when two explosive devices were thrown during a protest outside the mayor’s home, according to a report from CBS News.
Two men from Pennsylvania were arrested in connection with the devices, while four additional individuals were taken into custody on separate charges related to the protest.
Authorities said Monday that investigators later discovered a third device in a nearby vehicle. Officials determined that device was not active.
The incident occurred during a protest outside Gracie Mansion, where Mamdani and his wife were inside the residence at the time.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the demonstration involved an anti-Islam protest organized by individuals associated with Jake Lang, who was pardoned after his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and has since become a far-right influencer.
Law enforcement sources said the protest drew roughly 20 participants. More than 100 counter-protesters also gathered nearby.
According to investigators, two young men from Pennsylvania who attended the counter-protest allegedly brought explosive devices to the gathering after becoming angered by the anti-Islam demonstration.
Authorities said the devices consisted of sports drink bottles containing explosive materials placed inside glass jars and surrounded by nuts and bolts. The devices were fitted with a fuse connected to an M80-type firework.
Investigators said the explosive compound inside the devices was triacetone triperoxide, known as TATP, a volatile substance sometimes associated with extremist attacks.
Police said the first device was thrown by 18-year-old Emir Balat of Pennsylvania. Commissioner Tisch stated the device struck a barrier in a crosswalk near police officers and extinguished without detonating.
Balat then allegedly ran from the scene, retrieved another device from 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi of Pennsylvania, lit it and began running with it before dropping it, Tisch said.
Both suspects were taken into custody.
Police also arrested 21-year-old Ian McGuiness, who investigators say used pepper spray against counter-protesters. Three additional individuals were arrested on charges including disorderly conduct and obstruction.
On Sunday, the New York Police Department discovered another suspicious device inside a vehicle about three blocks south of Gracie Mansion. The discovery prompted limited evacuations of nearby buildings while the department’s bomb squad assessed the situation.
Authorities later said the device was safely removed and taken for further testing.
Investigators are now examining whether the attack was influenced by extremist propaganda linked to ISIS. Videos recorded at the protest reportedly show a man shouting “Allahu Akbar” while one of the devices was thrown.
Law enforcement sources told investigators that the incident may have been inspired by ISIS messaging circulating online.
Federal agents are also examining the suspects’ travel histories.
According to investigators, Balat is a U.S. citizen whose parents emigrated from Turkey and became naturalized citizens in 2017. Authorities said Balat traveled overseas for several months between May 6 and Aug. 26, 2025, including a trip to Istanbul, and returned there again earlier this year.
Balat resides with his family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Authorities have also visited the residence as part of the investigation.
Kayumi’s parents, who emigrated from Afghanistan, became naturalized U.S. citizens in 2004 and 2009. Investigators said Kayumi traveled to Istanbul during July and August 2024 and also visited Saudi Arabia in March of that year.
Federal agents are expected to execute search warrants connected to the investigation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as the probe continues.
Mayor Mamdani addressed the incident in a statement posted Sunday on X.
“Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are,” Mamdani wrote.
“What followed was even more disturbing. Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are. I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe. Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day.”
The FBI and NYPD said the terrorism investigation remains active as authorities work to determine whether the suspects acted independently or were influenced by outside extremist networks.
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