MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — A Neshaminy School District student has been arrested in connection with an IED thrown at an anti-Muslim protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York City on Saturday, authorities said.
A second man, Ibrahim Nick, 19, was arrested in connection with the devices. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said Nick is accused of handing a second device to Balat as Balat ran down East End Avenue toward 86th Street.
Tisch said Balat allegedly ignited a device and threw it toward a group of people after an anti-Muslim protester deployed pepper spray. The device struck a barrier and was extinguished in a crosswalk just feet from police officers.
Middletown Township Police said there was a significant law enforcement presence in the area of Durham Road and Frosty Hollow Road on Sunday as police assisted the FBI.
An FBI raid took place around 6:20 p.m. on Sunday at a home on Tina Drive in Middletown Township, authorities said. Another raid was also reported to have taken place in Newtown Township.
The Neshaminy School District confirmed that one suspect is a student.
“We are aware of news reports over the weekend of an 18-year-old Middletown Township and Neshaminy School District student,” said Neshaminy Schools Superintendent Jason Bowman in an email to the school community about Balat.
Bowman said that the school administration has been in contact with law enforcement. He said that there was no information indicating any concerns related to the district’s schools.
U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick federal authorities were in contact with his office regarding the investigation.
“Earlier (Sunday) evening, federal and local law enforcement conducted investigative activity in Middletown Township and Newtown related to an incident that occurred near the New York City Mayor’s official residence,” Fitzpatrick said.
The congressman said that preliminary analysis confirmed that at least one of the devices deployed during the incident was an improvised explosive device (IED). Additional testing remains underway.
Fitzpatrick said there was no threat to the Lower Bucks County community and that the situation remains under the control of law enforcement.
He said his office is working with federal and local officials and will remain engaged as the situation develops.
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