FBI searches PA homes of 'self-radicalized' suspects Emir Balat, Ibrahim Kayumi in terror investigation after bombs thrown during counter-protest near Gracie Mansion

Federal agents searched homes in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on Sunday as investigators gathered more details about two men charged with throwing improvised explosive devices during a protest outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence. The pair of reportedly self-radicalized ISIS extremists had traveled to Turkey as well as other terror-training locations in recent years.

On Sunday, law enforcement raided the homes of both 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi in Newtown as well as the home of 18-year-old Emir Balat in Langhorne, per ABC 6. Agents were heard over a megaphone ordering occupants to come outside, and three people were later seen exiting the home. Authorities also executed court-authorized searches in Newtown Township and Middletown Township as part of the expanding investigation. The New York Post reported that the pair had become self-radicalized and had traveled to locations that would allow for terrorism training in recent years.

The incident unfolded on Saturday during dueling demonstrations near East End Avenue and 87th Street. One group, numbering about 20 people, was protesting what participants described as an “Islamic takeover of New York City.” A counterprotest organized by Stand Against Hate drew roughly 125 people. Police said tensions had already escalated earlier in the day, resulting in one arrest after a counter-protester was pepper-sprayed.

According to authorities, the violence intensified around 12:35 pm, when Balat allegedly lit and threw a device toward the protest area. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as it flew through the air before striking a barrier near police officers. Police said Balat then took a second device from 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi before dropping it and being taken into custody. Neither device fully exploded, and no injuries were reported. Balat was also seen on video yelling “Allahu Akbar” as the homemade bombs were thrown.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the NYPD Bomb Squad determined the device was not a hoax or a smoke bomb, but a real improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death. Authorities said the device contained shrapnel-like material, including nuts and bolts.

Balat and Kayumi remain in custody, and the case is being investigated by the NYPD, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York through the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Law enforcement sources have said the case is being examined as a possible act of terrorism after one of the suspects allegedly referenced ISIS in statements to investigators.

According to TruthPress, law enforcement sources also said the pair told police they had watched ISIS videos and targeted right-wing protesters because they believed the demonstrators had insulted their religion.

Later Sunday, police also responded to a third IED found near a vehicle in the Gracie Mansion area, prompting limited evacuations and a Bomb Squad response as authorities secured nearby blocks. The discovery came less than 24 hours after Saturday’s attack, which investigators now say involved a genuine explosive device capable of causing mass casualties.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the protest with Jake Lang outside his residence as rooted in “bigotry and racism,” while also denouncing the violence that followed. “What followed was even more disturbing,” the mayor said. “Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) blasted Mamdani’s response, arguing the mayor had failed to fully address the ideological motive behind the attack. “To give full context to what happened yesterday, the two individuals arrested for throwing a homemade explosive device filled with nails have admitted to authorities they were inspired by ISIS,” Lawler said. “In other words, they were radical Islamic terrorists.”

“As mayor of the largest city in the world, and the greatest target of terrorism, you need to confront this head on,” Lawler added. “Don’t just call out one group of protestors and not the other group, and certainly don’t ignore the background of those responsible. White supremacy and radical Islam are equally bad. That shouldn’t be hard to say.”