Trending Now - FBI Investigates Bomb Threats Linked to NYC Protest and Fireworks
WHO:
Jake Lang organized the anti-Islam protest that attracted about 20 participants, while a counterprotest called “Drive the Nazis Out of New York” had approximately 125 attendees.
Balat's attorney, Mehdi Essmidi, stated, “I believe he’s 18 and he doesn’t have any idea what he’s doing,” and added that he did not believe Balat and Kayumi had known each other for long.
Jake Lang, identified as a right-wing influencer who organized the anti-Islam protest.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, “This was a planned attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization.”
Balat's attorney, Mehdi Essmidi, stated that Balat's family was "very surprised by what happened" and has been cooperative with law enforcement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against the suspects on March 9th, 2026.
Jake Lang, identified as a right-wing influencer who organized the anti-Islam protest.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, first Muslim mayor of NYC.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, “This was a planned attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization.”
Balat's attorney, Mehdi Essmidi, stated that Balat's family was "very surprised by what happened" and has been cooperative with law enforcement.
Emir Balat, 18, purchased a 20-foot roll of safety fuse for $6.89 at Phantom Fireworks in Penndel, Pennsylvania, on March 2nd, 2026.
Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, is also involved in the case but was not seen in the surveillance video at Phantom Fireworks.
The FBI conducted searches at a storage facility called Public Storage in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, related to the investigation.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, “This was a planned attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against the suspects on March 9th, 2026.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, “This was a planned attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization.”
Balat's attorney, Mehdi Essmidi, said, “I believe he’s 18 and he doesn’t have any idea what he’s doing.”
Kayumi’s father, Khayer Kayumi, expressed surprise, stating, “If he’s going to be five minutes late, he calls,” and described the family’s concern when he did not return home.
Balat's father, Selahattin Balat, is a native of Turkey who was granted asylum in the United States in 1998 and later became a U.S. citizen.
Kayumi's parents immigrated from Afghanistan and became U.S. citizens in 2004 and 2009.
The FBI conducted searches at a storage facility called Public Storage in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, related to the investigation.
Balat's attorney, Mehdi Essmidi, stated that Balat's family was "very surprised by what happened" and has been cooperative with law enforcement.
Jake Lang, identified as a right-wing influencer who organized the anti-Islam protest.
Balat is a 12th-grade student at Neshaminy School District.
Kayumi graduated from Council Rock High School North in 2024.
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, both from Pennsylvania, charged with terrorism-related offenses.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, first Muslim mayor of NYC.
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against the suspects.
Mehdi Essmidi, attorney representing Balat.
Kayumi's father, Khayer Kayumi, and mother, who filed a missing person report.
WHAT:
Balat and Kayumi were charged with five federal offenses: attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization; use of a weapon of mass destruction; transportation of explosive materials; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
The FBI conducted controlled detonations of explosive residue found at a public storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, resulting in “several loud bangs” on March 9th, 2026.
Balat allegedly stated he wanted to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing," which killed three people and injured over 500.
Balat and Kayumi were charged with five federal offenses: attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization; use of a weapon of mass destruction; transportation of explosive materials; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
The FBI conducted controlled detonations of explosive residue found at a public storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, resulting in “several loud bangs” on March 9th, 2026.
A notebook found in a vehicle linked to the suspects contained materials associated with TATP production, including hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, and acetone.
The FBI conducted controlled detonations of explosive residue found at a public storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, resulting in “several loud bangs” on March 9th, 2026.
Balat and Kayumi were charged with five federal offenses: attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization; use of a weapon of mass destruction; transportation of explosive materials; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
The device thrown into the crowd of protesters tested positive for an explosive substance called TATP, also known as the “Mother of Satan.”
A third suspicious device found on March 8th, 2026, tested negative for explosive material.
Balat allegedly stated he wanted to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing," which killed three people and injured over 500.
Balat and Kayumi were charged with five counts related to terrorism and possession of explosive materials, with a federal indictment forthcoming.
The FBI conducted controlled detonations of explosive residue found at a public storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, resulting in “several loud bangs” on March 9th, 2026.
Balat and Kayumi were charged with five federal offenses: attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization; use of a weapon of mass destruction; transportation of explosive materials; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
The device thrown into the crowd of protesters tested positive for an explosive substance called TATP, also known as the “Mother of Satan.”
A third suspicious device found on March 8th, 2026, tested negative for explosive material.
The FBI conducted controlled detonations of the two IEDs, resulting in a “significant explosion,” according to NYPD’s deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, Rebecca Weiner.
The two devices were “each approximately the size of a mason jar” and had an attached fuse, with nuts and bolts affixed to the exterior, surrounded by duct tape.
Balat allegedly wrote, “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State,” after his arrest.
The FBI found explosive residue in a Pennsylvania storage unit as part of the investigation.
Overnight on March 9th, 2026, FBI bomb technicians conducted controlled detonations of the explosive residue found at a public storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, resulting in “several loud bangs.”
Balat and Kayumi were charged with five federal offenses: attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization; use of a weapon of mass destruction; transportation of explosive materials; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
A notebook found in a vehicle linked to the suspects contained materials associated with TATP production, including hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, and acetone.
The anti-Islam protest organized by Jake Lang attracted about 20 participants, while a counterprotest called “Drive the Nazis Out of New York” had approximately 125 attendees.
Balat allegedly threw an ignited device that landed on a crosswalk and extinguished itself a few feet from police officers.
A third suspicious device found on March 8th, 2026, tested negative for explosive material.
Balat and Kayumi were charged with providing material support to a terrorist organization, using a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials, unlawful possession of destructive devices, and interstate transportation and receipt of explosives.
They threw two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during an anti-Muslim protest on March 7th, 2026.
The devices were approximately the size of mason jars, contained TATP (triacetone triperoxide), and had nuts and bolts attached to the exterior.
Balat allegedly stated he wanted to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing," which killed three people and injured over 500.
Both suspects are being held without bail and are scheduled to appear in court on April 8th, 2026.
WHERE:
The incident occurred outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in New York City.
A storage facility called Public Storage in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, was raided as part of the investigation.
The incident occurred outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in New York City.
A storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, was raided as part of the investigation.
The incident occurred outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in New York City.
A storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, was raided as part of the investigation.
The controlled detonations took place at a public storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, on March 9th, 2026.
The controlled detonations took place at a public storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
The incident occurred outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in New York City.
Balat and Kayumi traveled from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to New York City.
A storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, was raided as part of the investigation.
WHEN:
Balat purchased the fuse on March 2nd, 2026, five days before the incident on March 7th, 2026.
Balat and Kayumi were arrested on March 7th, 2026, and charged on March 9th, 2026.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8th, 2026.
Balat purchased the fuse on March 2nd, 2026, five days before the incident on March 7th, 2026.
Balat and Kayumi were arrested on March 7th, 2026, and charged on March 9th, 2026.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8th, 2026.
Balat purchased the fuse on March 2nd, 2026, five days before the incident on March 7th, 2026.
Balat and Kayumi were arrested on March 7th, 2026, and charged on March 9th, 2026.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8th, 2026.
Balat purchased the fuse on March 2nd, 2026, five days before the incident on March 7th, 2026.
Balat and Kayumi were arrested on March 7th, 2026, and charged on March 9th, 2026.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8th, 2026.
Balat and Kayumi were arrested on March 7th, 2026, and charged on March 9th, 2026.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8th, 2026.
Balat enrolled in a virtual program at Neshaminy High School in September 2025 and had not attended in-person classes since.
Balat and Kayumi were arrested on March 7th, 2026, and charged on March 9th, 2026.
The anti-Islam protest occurred on March 7th, 2026, at approximately 12:15 p.m. when tensions escalated due to a pepper-spray incident.
The protest and bomb-throwing incident occurred on March 7th, 2026.
Balat and Kayumi were charged on March 9th, 2026.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8th, 2026.
WHY:
Balat allegedly stated, “No, even bigger,” when asked if he aimed to accomplish something akin to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Kayumi responded with “ISIS” when asked why he carried out the attack.
Balat allegedly stated, “No, even bigger,” when asked if he aimed to accomplish something akin to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Kayumi responded with “ISIS” when asked why he carried out the attack.
Balat allegedly stated, “No, even bigger,” when asked if he aimed to accomplish something akin to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Kayumi responded with “ISIS” when asked why he carried out the attack.
Balat allegedly stated, “No, even bigger,” when asked if he aimed to accomplish something akin to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Kayumi responded with “ISIS” when asked why he carried out the attack.
Balat stated, “No, even bigger,” when asked if he aimed to accomplish something akin to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Kayumi responded with “ISIS” when asked why he carried out the attack.
Balat's lawyer, Mehdi Essmidi, stated that his client had “complicated stuff going on” in his personal life.
Balat allegedly stated, “This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the Prophet. We take action … If I didn’t do it someone else will come and do it,” indicating his motivations were linked to extremist ideology.
Balat and Kayumi claimed their actions were inspired by ISIS, with Balat stating, “If I didn’t do it someone else will come and do it.”
Balat and Kayumi claimed their actions were inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organization.
The attack was described as motivated by extremist ideology.
HOW:
The devices consisted of a sports-drink bottle filled or partially filled with explosive material set inside glass jars and surrounded by fragmentation, or nuts and bolts.
The devices consisted of a sports-drink bottle filled or partially filled with explosive material set inside glass jars and surrounded by fragmentation, or nuts and bolts.
The devices consisted of a sports-drink bottle filled or partially filled with explosive material set inside glass jars and surrounded by fragmentation, or nuts and bolts.
The devices consisted of a sports-drink bottle filled or partially filled with explosive material set inside glass jars and surrounded by fragmentation, or nuts and bolts.
Balat was seen holding a device with a lit fuse before throwing it into the crowd, and he later retrieved a second device from Kayumi before igniting it and dropping it near police officers.
Balat was seen holding a device with a lit fuse before throwing it into the crowd, and he later retrieved a second device from Kayumi before igniting it and dropping it near police officers.
The explosive device thrown by Balat was later found to contain TATP, which extinguished itself without harming anyone.
Balat was seen holding a device with a lit fuse before throwing it into the crowd, and he later retrieved a second device from Kayumi before igniting it and dropping it near police officers.
Balat was seen holding a device with a lit fuse before throwing it into the crowd, and he later retrieved a second device from Kayumi before igniting it.
The suspects threw two IEDs during a protest, with one device ignited and thrown into the crowd, while the second was lit and dropped near police officers.
The devices were constructed with a chemical substance (TATP) and were designed to explode, as indicated by their construction and the presence of fuses.
(UPDATED March 11, 2026 07:16 UTC)
In New York City, an anti-Islam protest organized by Jake Lang drew about 20 participants, while a counterprotest called “Drive the Nazis Out of New York” attracted around 125 attendees. Meanwhile, two individuals, Balat and Kayumi, were arrested on March 7 and charged with five federal offenses, including attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction, after Balat allegedly expressed a desire to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing." The FBI conducted controlled detonations of explosive residue found at a storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, following the discovery of devices made from sports-drink bottles filled with explosive materials, as the investigation continues with a preliminary hearing set for April 8.
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(UPDATED March 11, 2026 05:19 UTC)
In a shocking development, two suspects, Balat and Kayumi, have been charged with multiple federal offenses related to an attempted attack outside Gracie Mansion in New York City, which was described by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch as a planned act motivated by extremist ideology. The FBI found explosive residue and a notebook linked to the suspects during a raid at a storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and controlled detonations were conducted there last Monday. Balat had purchased materials for the devices just days before the incident on March 7, and a preliminary hearing is set for April 8.
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(UPDATED March 11, 2026 03:39 UTC)
In a shocking incident outside Gracie Mansion in New York City, Jake Lang, a right-wing influencer, has been linked to a planned attack motivated by extremist ideology, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The FBI conducted controlled detonations of explosive residue found at a storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, after Balat and Kayumi were arrested and charged with multiple federal offenses, including the attempted provision of material support to a terrorist organization. The explosive device thrown into the crowd tested positive for TATP, and Balat allegedly expressed a desire to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing."
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(UPDATED March 11, 2026 01:23 UTC)
In a significant development, 18-year-old Emir Balat has been charged with five counts related to terrorism and possession of explosive materials after purchasing a 20-foot roll of safety fuse at Phantom Fireworks in Penndel, Pennsylvania, on March 2. Along with 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, who was not seen in surveillance footage, Balat is facing a federal indictment as the FBI conducted controlled detonations of explosive residue found at a public storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, last Wednesday, resulting in several loud bangs. The devices involved were reportedly made from sports-drink bottles filled with explosive material and surrounded by glass jars packed with fragmentation, including nuts and bolts.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 23:03 UTC)
In a significant development, the FBI conducted searches at a storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, related to a planned attack that New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch described as motivated by extremist ideology. On March 9, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against suspects Balat and Kayumi, who face five federal offenses, including the attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization and the use of a weapon of mass destruction, after a device they threw into a crowd tested positive for an explosive substance known as TATP. The two men were arrested on March 7 and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 8, with Balat allegedly expressing intentions to carry out an attack even larger than the Boston Marathon bombing.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 21:04 UTC)
In a shocking development, New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the recent attack was a planned act motivated by extremist ideology, with two suspects, Balat and Kayumi, arrested on March 7 and charged two days later. The FBI reported controlled detonations of two improvised explosive devices, each about the size of a mason jar, which were found to have fuses and were surrounded by nuts and bolts. Balat allegedly expressed intentions to create a larger impact than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, while Kayumi admitted to carrying out the attack at their arrest.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 19:16 UTC)
In a developing story, the FBI discovered explosive residue in a storage unit in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, leading to controlled detonations overnight on March 9, resulting in several loud bangs. Balat, who enrolled in a virtual program at Neshaminy High School in September 2025, has been navigating complicated personal issues, according to his lawyer. The explosive device thrown by Balat was identified as containing TATP, which fortunately extinguished itself without causing any harm.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 15:13 UTC)
In a significant development, the FBI conducted searches at a storage facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, related to the investigation of Balat and Kayumi, who were arrested on March 7 and charged with multiple federal offenses on March 9. Their charges include attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction, with a notebook found in a linked vehicle containing materials for producing explosives. Balat's attorney expressed that the family was surprised by the events, while Balat allegedly indicated his extremist motivations, stating that action is necessary when it comes to defending his beliefs.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 11:10 UTC)
Tensions escalated during an anti-Islam protest organized by Jake Lang on March 7, 2026, which drew about 20 participants, while a counterprotest called “Drive the Nazis Out of New York” attracted around 125 attendees. During the protest, a 12th-grade student named Balat allegedly threw an ignited device that landed near police officers, and both he and Kayumi, a recent graduate, claimed their actions were inspired by ISIS. A third suspicious device found on March 8 tested negative for explosives, and Balat was seen holding a device with a lit fuse before throwing it into the crowd.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 09:08 UTC)
In a shocking development, two young men from Pennsylvania, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, have been charged with terrorism-related offenses after allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices during an anti-Muslim protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York City on March 7. The charges include providing material support to a terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction, with Balat reportedly expressing a desire to carry out an attack "bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing." Both suspects are being held without bail and are scheduled to appear in court on April 8.