CNN deletes post downplaying ISIS-inspired attempted bombing in NYC, apologizes for 'breaching editorial standards'

CNN has apologized after deleting a post that downplayed the ISIS-inspired attempted bombing that took place at a protest in New York City over the weekend. The two suspects in the case, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, have been charged with the use of a weapon of mass destruction.  

The initial post that linked to CNN's report on the incident said, "Two Pennsylvania teenagers crossed into New York City Saturday morning for what could've been a normal day enjoying the city during abnormally warm weather. But in less than an hour, their lives would drastically change as the pair would be arrested for throwing homemade bombs during an anti-Muslim protest outside of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's home. Here's what we know so far."

That post, however, quickly drew heavy backlash for appearing to downplay the attempted bombing that took place.

CNN later deleted the post, then apologized, writing on X, "A post regarding the two individuals arrested for throwing homemade bombs outside of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home failed to reflect the gravity of the incident thereby breaching the editorial standards we require for all our reporting. It has therefore been deleted."

Balat was seen on video throwing the explosive device that failed to detonate. At the same time, he yelled "Allahu Akbar." Kayumi and Balat indicated to police that they carried out the actions because they had pledged allegiance to ISIS, according to the criminal complaint.

One of the counts againtst the two men alleges that they "knowingly attempted to provide 'material support or resources'... including personnel, to wit, themselves, and services to a foreign terrorist organization, to wit, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham ('ISIS')." ISIS is a designated foreign terrorist organization. Count two details charges for use of a weapon of mass destruction, saying that the two "knowingly used, threatened, and attempted to use, a weapon of mass destruction—namely, a destructive device... against persons and property withing the United States," per the complaint.

Leading up to the apology, CNN was hit with heavy backlash. The White House posted a screenshot of the post and said, "No, they're radical Islamic terrorists who threw an IED at a protest. We don't do that in America. Fake News CNN (which employs @kaitlancollins and @KristenhCNN, et al) is not a serious organization."

Libs of TikTok posted after CNN deleted and apologized, "CNN DELETED this post referring to the two NYC Islamic Terrorists as 'Pennsylvania teenagers' and wording it to appear as if they were anti-Muslim protesters. Their reasoning? It 'failed to reflect the gravity of the incident.' CNN is a complete disgrace. FAKE NEWS."