ISIS-inspired suspects in Gracie Mansion bombing attempt arraigned on federal charges

Two suspects accused of trying to carry out an ISIS-inspired bomb plot near the mayor’s residence in Manhattan were arraigned on nearly a dozen federal charges.

In federal court on Wednesday, self-professed ISIS supporters Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi pleaded not guilty to the charges linked to tossing two explosive devices outside of Gracie Mansion in early March. The pair from Pennsylvania face charges including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, attempted support for a designated foreign terrorist organization, and transporting explosive materials. 

Balat and Kayumi spoke in loud clear voices as they answered a series of questions from the judge. The hearing lasted about an hour, during which some of the teens’ loved ones shared hugs and wiped tears.

After the hearing, the family members left court without answering questions from reporters.

In early March, NYPD officers tackled and arrested the 18-year-old Balat and 19-year-old Kayumi for the attempted bombing.

According to investigators, both men claimed inspiration from ISIS for the device attack at Gracie Mansion. Balat allegedly wanted the attack to be larger than the Boston bombings, while Kayumi supposedly claimed to have watched ISIS propaganda on his cellphone.

Prosecutors claim recovered evidence confirms their account, with notebooks, writings and dash camera recordings capturing their plans and motivation. The items were retrieved from a car belonging to a relative of Balat.

Law enforcement experts examined the two recovered devices. Confirming the make-shift bombs had highly explosive material inside, known as TATP or “mother of satan.” 

Balat was captured on images throwing the first device on Saturday, March 7. Kayumi later provided Balat a second device, which he lit and threw near a group of NYPD officers. After a chase through barricades, the suspects were pinned to the ground by police.

While the federal case moves forward, investigators confirmed Wednesday that they are reviewing data on 12 electric devices. The two suspects will remain in custody.