Security Footage Reveals Fuse Purchase Before NYC Terror Attempt
Newly released video evidence shows one of the suspects charged with the attempted terror attack near New York City's Gracie Mansion purchasing critical materials for the bomb plot. Amir Balat, an 18-year-old from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was captured on security footage buying a 20-foot roll of firework safety fuse just weeks before the incident.
The Phantom Fireworks Purchase
According to Phantom Fireworks Company Vice President William Weimer, Balat entered the Penndel, Pennsylvania store on March 2 at approximately 12:45 PM and purchased the $6.89 roll of fuse. The transaction appeared routine at the time.
'Coming and buying that was uneventful,' Weimer told CBS News. 'Had he bought 20 rolls of fuse, it might have raised eyebrows. But buying one or two items of anything in the store is almost a nonevent.'
This seemingly ordinary purchase would later become crucial evidence in a terrorism investigation that has shocked New York City.
The Gracie Mansion Incident
Balat and his alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested on Saturday after throwing a homemade explosive device outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence during counter-protests against a far-right demonstration. The protest had been organized by controversial activist Jake Lang, whom Mayor Mamdani later described as a 'white supremacist.'
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the device was a real 'improvised explosive device' that could have caused serious injury or death if it had detonated properly. The explosive contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP) wrapped in duct tape with nuts and bolts attached to create shrapnel.
ISIS Allegiance and Disturbing Statements
Federal charging documents reveal both suspects admitted to being inspired by the Islamic State terrorist organization. During his arrest, Kayumi reportedly blurted out that 'ISIS' was the reason for his conduct.
Balat made even more disturbing statements while in NYPD custody, according to the complaint. 'All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegience [sic] to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar!' he told investigators.
When officers asked if they were aiming for a catastrophe similar to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, Balat reportedly replied: 'No, even bigger,' noting that the Boston attack only caused 'three deaths.'
Mayor's Response and Charges
Mayor Mamdani released a public statement condemning the violence: 'Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. Such hate has no place in New York City.'
The mayor continued: 'The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.' He praised the NYPD officers who 'ran toward danger without hesitation.'
Both suspects now face multiple federal charges including:
- Attempting to provide material support to ISIS
- Use of a weapon of mass destruction
- Transportation of explosive materials
- Interstate transportation and receipt of explosives
- Unlawful possession of destructive devices
Evidence and Investigation Details
Police discovered the suspects' vehicle, registered to one of Balat's relatives, just blocks from the arrest location. A search revealed additional evidence including:
- A 'hobby fuse' similar to the one purchased at Phantom Fireworks
- A metal can
- A written list of chemical ingredients and components for building explosives
NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner confirmed that when police detonated the devices in a controlled environment, there was a 'significant explosion.' She noted the devices would have caused 'death, destruction, an extremely dangerous compound, and an extremely dangerous place deployed' if they had functioned as intended.
Protest Context and Additional Arrests
The incident occurred during counter-protests against an anti-Islamic demonstration organized by far-right activist Jake Lang. While Lang's protest was sparsely attended, it drew approximately 125 counter-demonstrators.
During the confrontation, Balat allegedly tossed the first explosive device into the crowd. When it failed to detonate, he reportedly ran down the block, collected a second device from Kayumi, dropped it near police officers, and attempted to flee before being tackled by officers.
Police also arrested Ian McGinnis, 21, of Philadelphia, who allegedly pepper-sprayed counter-protesters during the anti-Islam demonstration. McGinnis was released without bond after pleading not guilty to assault and aggravated harassment charges. Three other individuals were briefly detained but released without charges.
Background on Organizer Jake Lang
Jake Lang, the organizer of the protest that sparked the confrontation, has a controversial history. Following the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Lang was charged with assaulting an officer with a baseball bat, civil disorder, and other crimes. He was later freed from prison as part of former President Donald Trump's clemency actions.
Lang recently announced he is running for U.S. Senate in Florida and has organized other controversial rallies, including one in Minneapolis earlier this year supporting Trump's immigration policies that drew angry counter-protesters.
Neither Mayor Mamdani nor his wife were present at Gracie Mansion during the incident, but the attack has raised serious security concerns and highlighted the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism inspired by extremist ideologies.
