NYC Bomb Plot Suspects’ Families Immigrated from Afghanistan and Turkey
NEW YORK – The families of two Pennsylvania men charged with attempting to detonate explosive devices near the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani immigrated to the United States from Afghanistan and Turkey, according to law enforcement records. The incident, investigated as an ISIS-inspired terrorism attempt, occurred during a protest outside Gracie Mansion last week.
Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, both of Pennsylvania, were arrested after improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were thrown, though neither detonated and no injuries were reported.
Kayumi’s parents, originally from Afghanistan, became naturalized U.S. citizens in 2004 and 2009, respectively. They reside in a 5,800-square-foot home in Newtown, Pennsylvania, valued at approximately $2.2 to $2.25 million.
Balat’s parents were born in Turkey and naturalized as U.S. citizens in 2017. They live in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in a home valued at around $653,000.
The Department of Justice has charged both men with attempting to detonate the explosive devices. Authorities have stated the investigation is currently focused solely on the actions of Kayumi and Balat.
The FBI executed search warrants at both family homes following the incident, collecting evidence as part of the ongoing terrorism investigation. No charges have been filed against any family members.
According to police and prosecutors, the homemade explosive devices contained a volatile compound used in international terror attacks, consisting of nuts, bolts, and a fuse stored inside a jar, and were capable of causing serious harm.