Authorities in New York are investigating an attempted bombing outside the official residence of the city’s mayor after homemade explosive devices were thrown during a protest on March 7.
The incident occurred near Gracie Mansion, the Upper East Side residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, where an anti-Islam demonstration had drawn both supporters and counter-protesters. During the confrontation, two suspects allegedly ignited and threw improvised explosive devices toward the crowd. The devices failed to detonate, and no injuries were reported.
Police say the devices contained explosive material and metal fragments that could have caused serious injury or death if they had exploded. Two men from Pennsylvania — Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19 — were arrested and charged with terrorism-related offenses, including attempting to support the Islamic State group and using explosive devices. Federal prosecutors say the suspects were inspired by ISIS propaganda and had traveled to New York intending to carry out a major attack.
Investigators from the FBI and the NYPD’s Joint Terrorism Task Force are continuing the probe, including searches linked to the suspects in Pennsylvania. Authorities said the attempted attack is being treated as ISIS-inspired terrorism. Mayor Mamdani condemned the violence and praised police officers who responded quickly to secure the area.
