A potentially deadly Muslim terrorist attack was narrowly prevented outside New York City’s mayoral residence when NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards rushed toward danger after a suspect threw an improvised explosive device into a crowd gathered for an anti-Islam protest.
The incident occurred near Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side during a demonstration titled Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City. The event drew protesters and counter-protesters, along with a heavy police presence monitoring the gathering.
Note: Featured image has been AI inhanced, based on original NYPD photography.
Authorities say the attack is now being investigated as ISIS-inspired terrorism, and two suspects have been arrested and charged in federal court.
What could have become a catastrophic mass-casualty attack instead ended with quick police action that likely saved lives.
Suspects Accused Of Throwing Improvised Explosive Device
According to investigators, Emir Balat, 18, allegedly threw an improvised explosive device toward the crowd during the protest.
Authorities say a second suspect, Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, provided another device that Balat was preparing to throw when police intervened.
The explosive device thrown toward the crowd did not detonate, but officials say it had the potential to cause serious injury or death if it had exploded.
Investigators later confirmed the device tested positive for triacetone triperoxide (TATP, ), C₉H₁₈O₆), a highly volatile chemical compound frequently used in improvised explosive devices and terrorist attacks around the world.
Officials say, and viral public video evidence show the suspects ignited two objects during the incident, prompting immediate police response.
Authorities also located a third suspicious device in a nearby vehicle, though investigators later determined that device did not contain explosives.
NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards Tackles Suspect
Video from the scene shows NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards reacting instantly when the suspect attempted to deploy another device.
According to police officials, Edwards jumped over a metal barricade and tackled the suspect before he could throw the second explosive device.
The moment quickly spread across social media, with many observers praising the chief’s decisive action.
Edwards’ intervention prevented the suspect from deploying the second device into the crowd.
Officials say the chief’s response helped bring the situation under control before anyone was seriously injured.
NYPD Sergeant Ran Toward Lit Device
At the same time, NYPD Sgt. Luis Navarro moved toward a second device that had been lit and dropped on the ground.
Police officials said Navarro ran toward the smoking device in order to protect nearby demonstrators and officers.
The actions of both officers have been publicly praised by city officials and law-enforcement leaders.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the officers’ actions as courageous and selfless while addressing the incident during a press briefing.
Officials say the officers’ quick decisions prevented a chaotic situation from becoming significantly worse.
Federal Terrorism Charges Filed
Federal prosecutors have filed multiple charges against the two suspects connected to the incident.
According to court documents, the charges include:
- attempting to provide material support to ISIS;
- use of a weapon of mass destruction;
- additional federal terrorism-related offenses.
Authorities say both suspects expressed support for ISIS during the investigation.
Investigators also say one suspect allegedly told police he had watched ISIS propaganda online prior to the attack.
Officials further allege that the suspects had discussed carrying out a larger attack in the future.
Federal authorities have not yet released full details about the suspects’ communications or planning activities.
Investigation Led By FBI & NYPD
The investigation is now being handled jointly by the NYPD and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Authorities are examining:
- surveillance video from the protest area;
- digital communications connected to the suspects;
- materials used to build the explosive devices.
Investigators are also analyzing whether additional individuals may have assisted the suspects or encouraged the attack.
The explosive materials recovered from the scene have been sent to the FBI laboratory in Quantico, VA, for further testing.
Officials say forensic analysis will determine how the devices were constructed and whether similar materials may have been acquired elsewhere.
Anti-Islam Protest Draws Demonstrators
The attempted attack occurred during a protest organized under the banner “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.”
The event drew demonstrators opposing Islam as well as counter-protesters who arrived to oppose the demonstration.
Large protests in New York City often require significant police presence to ensure public safety and prevent clashes between opposing groups.
Officials say the heavy NYPD presence at the event allowed officers to respond immediately when the incident occurred.
Authorities Warn Of Ongoing Terror Threat
Law-enforcement officials have warned for years that ISIS-inspired attacks remain a security concern, particularly when individuals become radicalized through online propaganda.
The use of improvised explosive devices is a tactic frequently associated with terrorist attacks around the world.
Security experts say such devices are dangerous because they can be assembled using relatively accessible materials while still causing major casualties.
Authorities say the investigation will continue as they analyze the suspects’ background, communications, and potential connections.
For now, the rapid actions of NYPD officers appear to have prevented what could have been a deadly attack.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
