Teens accused of bombing attempt at Mamdani home openly discussed plans to kill
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Two teenagers, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested for allegedly attempting to detonate improvised explosive devices during an anti-Islam protest outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's home.
- The indictment reveals that the teens discussed their intent to cause mass casualties, with Balat estimating their plan could kill 8 to 16 people, or up to 60 if the protest was large.
- Charges against them include conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, and unlawful possession and transportation of explosives.
- Prosecutors stated the pair traveled from Pennsylvania to New York carrying the bombs and were recorded on dash-cam video discussing their plans and expressing allegiance to the Islamic State.
- Both suspects waived their rights during police questioning, with Balat reportedly writing a pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State, and they are scheduled for arraignment on 15 April.
