Authorities say two teenagers arrested after a tense protest near Gracie Mansion are now facing serious accusations tied to an alleged explosive device that failed to detonate.
According to the New York Post, investigators claim the pair brought a homemade bomb to a demonstration Saturday and threw it during a confrontation between opposing groups. The device, however, did not explode.
The suspects, identified as 19-year-old Ibraham Kayumi and 18-year-old Emir Balat, were taken into custody following the incident.
According to law enforcement sources familiar with the case, the two later admitted to police that they watched ISIS propaganda videos and said they targeted right-wing demonstrators because they believed their religion had been insulted.
The alleged explosive device was reportedly constructed from sports drink bottles packed with triacetone triperoxide, commonly referred to as TATP. The substance has earned the nickname “Mother of Satan” among bomb experts because of its instability and the danger it poses even without a fuse.
Authorities say the device was thrown during a clash between supporters of Jake Lang and pro-Muslim counter-protesters near Gracie Mansion, home of New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
Officials later confirmed Mamdani was in the residence during the protest.
Investigators said the bomb did not detonate, preventing what could have been a devastating outcome.
Jessica Tisch addressed the incident and pushed back on earlier suggestions that the device might have been harmless.
“It would have killed or maimed anyone near it had it exploded,” Tisch said.
The explosive material allegedly used in the device has appeared in past terror attacks in Europe, including incidents in France and the United Kingdom, according to authorities.
Following the arrests, the investigation quickly expanded beyond New York City.
Law enforcement sources said the New York City Police Department is now working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to gather more evidence.
As part of that effort, search warrants were carried out on Sunday at homes connected to Kayumi and Balat in Pennsylvania.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the suspects’ activities, online behavior, and potential connections tied to the alleged radicalization.
The case has drawn heightened scrutiny because of the potential danger posed by the device and the crowded protest where it was thrown. Fortunately, no explosion occurred, and no injuries were reported.
