Two arrested for trying to attack an Islamophobic demonstration in New York with homemade bombs

The New York Police have arrested two people accused of ignite and attempt to throw homemade explosive devices against an Islamophobic demonstration called in front of the home of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Those arrested, who claimed to be “inspired” by the Islamic State jihadist group, have been accused of terrorism.

It is about Emir Balat18 years old, and Ibrahim Kayumi19, who traveled from Pennsylvania to Manhattan last Saturday to try to attack the extreme right rally in front of the Gracie mansion, Mamdani’s official residence. He is the first Muslim mayor that New York has had.

The Police managed to intercept the devices before they were thrown and caused injuries. The report describes them as “duct-taped cans containing nuts and bolts“, in addition to an explosive substance –acetone peroxide (TATP)- which they tried to light with a fuse.

TAPT is a highly volatile explosive known colloquially as “Satan’s mother”, as it is frequently used in terrorist attacks around the world. The defendants face five criminal charges.

If found guilty, they could face penalties ranging from from 20 years in prison to life imprisonment. The next court date for the two terrorism suspects is April 8.

The events occurred on Saturday during a tense day in which the anti-Muslim protest led by the far-right agitator coincided. It’s just Jake a counterprotest in support of the Islamic community, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan.

Balat would have declared that his intention was to provoke an attack “even bigger” than that of the Boston Marathon in 2013. Three people died on that occasion in an attack also inspired by jihadism, which left 264 injured. According to his defense, Balat is an American of Turkish origin and is in last year of high school.

Kayumi, for his part, was recorded by police cameras shouting the name of the organization. Balat wrote in a note his “loyalty to the Islamic State.”

Neither Mamdani nor his wife, Rama Duwajiwere at the residence when the attack occurred. Mamdani initially described the Islamophobic rally in front of his home as a “vile protest rooted in white supremacy“.

“I am the first Muslim mayor of our city. The anti-Muslim intolerance “It’s nothing new to me, nor is it new to the million or more Muslim New Yorkers who know this city as their home,” he proclaimed at a press conference.

Mamdani, however, stressed the importance of freedom of expression, even as he found the demonstration “atrocious.” “I will not waver in my conviction that must be allowed to take place. Ours is a free society where the right to peaceful protest is sacred“he added.

In a statement released later, Mamdani spoke out about those detained for terrorism, stating that they should “be held accountable for their actions.” For his part, he promised to ensure “the safety of New Yorkers.” “We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city,” he concluded.