The New York Police Department said Monday that the two pro-Muslim counterprotesters accused of hurling homemade explosives at an anti-Mamdani rally over the weekend are being investigated for links to the Islamic State terror group.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the two suspects — Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19 — are being held on charges of creating and throwing the explosives, as well as on suspicion of trying to carry out an act of terror.
“The police department has determined that these were improvised explosive devices made to injure, maim or worse,” Commissioner Tisch said. “Thanks to the swift and decisive actions of NYPD officers at the scene, both men were immediately taken into custody, and the devices they brought, taken off of our streets.”
Police said the two men traveled Saturday from Pennsylvania to counterprotest a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,” which was held outside Gracie Mansion, the officials residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The more than 120 counter-protesters dwarfed the 20-man demonstration against Mr. Mamdani organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang.
The homemade bombs were thrown shortly after the two groups collided. Police said three were found on scene, with one tossed toward the anti-Mamdani rally.
Officials said the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and federal attorneys are leading the terrorism investigation into the two suspects.
