Bondi confirms charges in attempted bombing tied to New York protest
WASHINGTON, DC: Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Monday, March 9, that the Department of Justice has indicted two individuals for an attempted explosive attack during a protest near Gracie Mansion on Saturday.
A criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of New York identified the suspects as 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi.
According to the indictment, the pair attempted to detonate two explosive devices during a clash between clashing groups outside the home of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
While both were arrested at the scene by the New York Police Department (NYPD), federal officials confirmed that the suspects claimed affiliation with a foreign extremist group during their detention.
Intent to surpass Boston Marathon bombing
Federal prosecutors detailed a chilling objective behind the failed attack, noting that Balat expressed a desire to carry out a strike "even bigger" than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
The criminal complaint alleges that Balat threw one ignited device toward a group of protesters and a second near several NYPD officers.
Investigation into the homemade devices revealed they contained a highly volatile explosive material.
Although neither device successfully exploded, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed they were improvised explosives capable of causing serious injury or death.
Mayor Mamdani praises rapid police response
Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 8, 2026
What followed was even more disturbing. Violence…
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attempted violence, stating that the use of explosive devices is "reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are."
He extended his gratitude to the NYPD officers who responded to the scene, commending their courage in facing a chaotic situation to protect the public.
Mamdani’s administration is closely monitoring the ongoing federal investigation and remains vigilant against further threats.
Federal commitment to national vigilance
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the Department of Justice will remain relentless in its pursuit of those who utilize extremist ideologies to threaten American safety. She reaffirmed that federal law enforcement officers are maintaining heightened vigilance to protect the nation from similar "poisonous" influences.
Bondi credited the rapid intervention of the NYPD for preventing what could have been a devastating mass-casualty event.
