Men Charged in NYC Bomb Plot Were Recorded Discussing Terror Attack
Two men accused of bringing homemade explosive devices to a protest outside the New York City mayor's home were recorded describing a detailed plan to kill as many as sixty individuals in an effort to "start terror", according to a federal indictment released on Tuesday. The defendants, identified as Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, allegedly drove from Pennsylvania to Manhattan ahead of the March 7 incident, where prosecutors state two improvised explosive devices were thrown during an anti-Islam demonstration. Fortunately, neither device detonated, and both suspects were swiftly apprehended by law enforcement authorities.
Dashcam Audio and Video Reveal Chilling Details
The indictment reveals that dashcam audio and video recordings from the vehicle used by Balat and Kayumi captured their conversations, which have now become crucial evidence. In these recordings, Balat expressed his intent to target "the government" and "civilians also", while Kayumi allegedly added, "All I know is I want to start terror, bro". Prosecutors further allege that Balat calculated the devices could kill between eight and sixteen people, or up to sixty if the area was densely crowded. He instructed Kayumi to throw the explosive as quickly as possible, outlining a countdown plan and mentioning alternative targets, such as attacking police or throwing a device into a cafe if the initial scheme failed.
Notebook Outlines Alternative Vehicle Attack Plan
In addition to the recordings, police recovered a notebook from the car that detailed an alternative plan for a vehicle attack on various locations, including festivals, parades, and celebrations. The homemade devices contained the explosive TATP and shrapnel, designed to cause maximum harm. The protest where the bombs were thrown was hosted by Jake Lang, a far-right activist and critic of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is the first Muslim to hold the office. According to a federal complaint released last month, both men later told police they were inspired by ISIS, highlighting the international terror connections in this domestic plot.
Legal Proceedings and Statements from Authorities
Balat and Kayumi are currently being held without bail on serious charges, including attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. They have not been required to enter a plea at this stage. During an initial court appearance last month, Balat's lawyer, Mehdi Essmidi, mentioned his client had "complicated stuff going on" in his life, without providing further details, while Kayumi's attorney declined to comment to reporters. FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, "As alleged, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi traveled to New York City with IEDs to kill as many people as possible in an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack. The alleged notes and instructions recovered from their vehicle demonstrate just how much cruelty they had planned." It remains unclear from the indictment whether the men were aware they were being recorded by the vehicle's dashboard camera, adding a layer of inadvertent evidence to this high-stakes investigation.
