DOJ Charges Two ISIS-Inspired Suspects In NYC Bomb Plot
The Department of Justice announced Monday that two suspects accused of attempting to bomb a protest in New York City have been charged with multiple federal terrorism offenses.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the defendants, 18 year old Emir Balat and 19 year old Ibrahim Kayumi, are being prosecuted as alleged ISIS inspired terrorists following the attempted attack near Gracie Mansion in Manhattan.
Federal prosecutors charged the pair with five counts, including attempting to provide material support to ISIS, use of a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials, interstate transport of explosives with intent to kill or injure, and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
“We will not allow ISIS’s poisonous, anti American ideology to threaten this nation,” Bondi said in a statement. “Our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant.”
According to the criminal complaint, the suspects attempted to detonate explosive devices during protests that took place near the mayor’s official residence.
One demonstration was titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer.” A counter protest called “Run Nazis Out of New York City” was also taking place nearby.
Investigators say one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide, known as TATP, a highly volatile explosive commonly referred to as the “Mother of Satan.” The material has been used in numerous terrorist attacks around the world.
Authorities said Balat ignited and threw the first device toward the protest area around 12:15 p.m.
After throwing the device, Balat allegedly ran down the block where he received a second explosive. Investigators say he ignited that device and dropped it near several police officers before attempting to flee.
Officers quickly pursued the suspect, who jumped over a barricade before being tackled and arrested by NYPD officers. Kayumi was also taken into custody at the scene.
According to the DOJ complaint, both suspects made statements referencing ISIS after they were arrested.
Investigators said that as Kayumi was being placed in a police vehicle, someone in the crowd asked why he had carried out the attack. Body camera footage reportedly captured Kayumi responding with the word “ISIS.”
Authorities said both men also referenced ISIS in statements made after they were read their Miranda rights.
Balat reportedly wrote on paper that he had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. Kayumi told investigators he had watched ISIS propaganda on his phone and said the group partially inspired the attack.
According to prosecutors, Balat also said the suspects wanted to carry out a larger attack than the Boston Marathon bombing, which he reportedly described as causing “only three deaths.”
When Balat was arrested, police found a Turkish government identification card identifying him as Emir Balat along with a Pennsylvania driver’s license bearing his name and photograph.
Authorities said Kayumi’s identity was confirmed using Border Patrol facial recognition databases.
Federal investigators continue to examine the suspects’ backgrounds, online activity, and potential connections as the terrorism case moves forward.