What to Know About Alleged ISIS-Inspired Bombing Attempt at NYC Protests

Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were arrested on March 7, and allegedly declared their affiliation with ISIS. They face five federal charges.

Police detain Emir Balat after he attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device during a counterprotest against an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York City on March 7, 2026. Julius Constantine Motal/AP Photo

Two allegedly ISIS-vowed young men from Pennsylvania are in custody, both facing five federal charges in New York after allegedly throwing two ignited improvised explosive devices (IEDs) into clashing crowds outside the city mayor’s residence.

Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were arrested on March 7, near Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, New York, where a protest called “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer” clashed with a counter-protest called “Run Nazis Out of New York City.”