NEW YORK (Gray Media) – Two teenagers are facing federal charges after authorities say they tried to detonate explosive devices just outside New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ official residence over the weekend.
The FBI is still piecing together the alleged plot, focused on what investigators say happened Saturday outside Gracie Mansion. According to a federal complaint, the two suspects wanted to carry out an attack even bigger than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, though officials say they’re still working to understand their motives and how the plan came together.
Prosecutors identify the men as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, who allegedly traveled from Pennsylvania to Manhattan and attempted to set off two explosive devices near a protest taking place outside the mayor’s residence. Law enforcement moved in quickly, taking them into custody before any devices detonated. The pair appeared in federal court Monday.
Balat and Kayumi now face five federal counts, including providing support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. Investigators say both pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. But in court, Balat’s attorney tried to cast him as a confused high school student dealing with a troubled personal life.
Both suspects are being held without bail as the investigation continues.
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