Explosives thrown at NYC Mayor Mamdani's home: Two arrested
Federal authorities launched a terror investigation after homemade explosives were thrown at NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence by two suspects.
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By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
NEW YORK, USA — Federal authorities have launched a terrorism investigation after two suspects, one of whom is of Turkish descent, threw homemade explosive devices at the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The incident took place on Saturday outside Gracie Mansion during an anti-Islam protest organized by far-right activist Jake Lang. The use of potentially lethal explosives against the city's Muslim mayor has escalated security concerns, prompting federal agencies to investigate the suspects' international travel histories and potential extremist motives.
TATP explosives and FBI involvement
According to initial assessments shared by New York Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, the devices recovered at the scene were not fake or mere smoke bombs, but authentic improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Time magazine reported that the explosive consisted of a jar wrapped in black tape, filled with shrapnel such as bolts and screws, and was ignited using a combustible fuse.
Authorities stated that the device was powerful enough to cause severe injuries or fatalities. Fortunately, it hit a police barrier and extinguished itself before fully detonating, resulting in no injuries.
Following the incident, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force took over the investigation. The explosives were sent to the FBI's laboratory in Quantico to evaluate potential federal terrorism charges. Investigators suspect the devices may have contained TATP (triacetone triperoxide), a highly volatile explosive compound frequently used in international terrorist attacks.
As the investigation deepened, police discovered another suspicious device inside a parked vehicle on East End Avenue, approximately three blocks from Gracie Mansion. Surrounding buildings were temporarily evacuated while bomb squad units safely removed the threat.
Suspects' backgrounds and overseas travel
Police detained 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, both from Pennsylvania, in connection with the attack. Balat is accused of throwing the ignited explosive device toward the protest area, while Kayumi allegedly procured one of the explosives. Four individuals in total were taken into custody, including 21-year-old Ian McGinnis, who was charged with using pepper spray during the protest.
According to CBS News, Emir Balat is a US citizen living with his family in Pennsylvania. His parents were born in Turkey and obtained US citizenship around a decade ago. Ibrahim Kayumi's parents are originally from Afghanistan and became US citizens over 15 years ago.
Federal authorities are currently scrutinizing the suspects' international travel histories and online communications to determine if they were influenced by extremist propaganda. CBS News noted that Balat recently returned to the US from Turkey in January 2026, having also spent several months there in 2025. Kayumi reportedly traveled to Turkey and Saudi Arabia in 2024.
Official reactions
Mayor Mamdani, who was inside the residence during the incident, released a statement condemning the use of explosives at the protest as "unacceptable and disgusting."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also addressed the incident, expressing her gratitude to the first responders. She emphasized that there is no place for any kind of violence in the state, and those responsible will be held strictly accountable.
