Trending Now - NYPD Officers Recognized for Preventing Terror Plot Near Gracie Mansion
WHO:
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani
NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards
Sgt. Luis Navarro
Emir Balat, 18, suspect
Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, suspect
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch
WHAT:
Two NYPD officers, Edwards and Navarro, were honored for thwarting an alleged ISIS-inspired terror attack.
Balat allegedly threw an improvised explosive device at protesters and was about to throw a second device handed to him by Kayumi.
Both suspects are facing federal terrorism charges.
Balat and Kayumi are being held without bail and are scheduled to appear in court on April 8, 2026.
The NYPD received reports of a suspicious package near Gracie Mansion, which was flagged by a Parks Department worker.
WHERE:
Gracie Mansion, New York City
Carl Shurz Park, upper Manhattan, New York City
Pennsylvania (residence of suspects)
WHEN:
The incident occurred on March 7, 2026.
The press conference honoring the officers took place on March 9, 2026.
Court appearance for suspects scheduled for April 8, 2026.
Edwards was promoted to borough chief of Manhattan North in December 2025.
WHY:
The suspects cited ISIS as motivation for their actions, according to a criminal complaint.
HOW:
Edwards tackled Balat after he allegedly hurled an explosive device.
Navarro ran toward a lit and smoking explosive device without hesitation.
(UPDATED March 10, 2026 19:23 UTC)
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch held a press conference yesterday to honor NYPD officers Aaron Edwards and Luis Navarro for their bravery in thwarting an alleged ISIS-inspired terror attack on March 7. The suspects, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, are facing federal terrorism charges after Balat allegedly threw an improvised explosive device at protesters, with Kayumi handing him a second device before the officers intervened. Both suspects are currently being held without bail and are scheduled to appear in court on April 8.