FBI finds ‘explosive residue’ in storage unit related to ‘ISIS-inspired terrorism’ outside NYC mayor’s home
FBI finds ‘explosive residue’ in storage unit related to ‘ISIS-inspired terrorism’ outside NYC mayor’s home
PA storage unit linked to terror plot near Gracie Mansion sparks federal investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported Tuesday that explosive residue was discovered in a storage facility in Pennsylvania, suspected to be connected to an ISIS-linked attack that occurred near New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence over the weekend. Officials confirmed the materials were subjected to a controlled detonation during the investigation.
Authorities indicated the items are likely tied to Saturday’s incident, where improvised explosive devices were hurled outside Gracie Mansion during demonstrations. Two Pennsylvania teenagers, Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, are charged with involvement in the event. Despite the presence of the explosives, no injuries were reported, and the devices failed to detonate.
Phantom Fireworks provided surveillance footage to NBC News, allegedly showing Balat purchasing a green safety fuse at their Penndel location on March 2. The video captures him entering the store around 12:40 p.m., identifying himself with staff, and buying a 20-foot roll with cash. Executive Vice President Alan Zoldan stated the company reviewed records after the mayor’s home attack and found Balat’s purchase.
The FBI issued a subpoena to Phantom Fireworks, which Zoldan shared with NBC News. While the bureau has not commented further, the criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York notes both suspects referenced the Islamic State before and after their arrest. Body camera video from the officers who arrested Kayumi shows him identifying himself as “ISIS” when asked about his actions.
Federal prosecutors claim the pair aimed to replicate the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured over 260 others. A family member of Balat, answering his father’s phone, declined to comment on the case. Kayumi and Balat remain in custody awaiting a bail decision.
Charges include unlawful possession of a weapon of mass destruction, transporting explosives, and attempting to aid a designated foreign terrorist organization. Their attorneys sought protective custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, arguing for safety in a “hellhole” environment.
Both suspects hail from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with Balat in Langhorne and Kayumi in Newtown. While their connection remains unclear, a source noted they traveled to New York City using a car borrowed from an associate, who was unaware of their plans. Separately, unexplained explosion sounds in January, near one of the suspects’ homes, are being examined for possible ties to the incident.
Mayor Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim leader, addressed the event at a Monday press briefing. He and his wife were at a Brooklyn museum when the explosives were thrown. He called the act a “vile protest rooted in white supremacy,” highlighting its location outside his official residence.
