Gracie Mansion protest bombers wanted to kill up to 60 people in New York City

The two suspects of a bombing attempt in New York City sought to kill up to 60 people at a protest, according to an indictment released Tuesday.

Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were indicted on eight counts for their alleged attempt at a bombing in New York City on March 7. The terrorism attempt happened near Gracie Mansion, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence. The suspects were arrested after throwing their explosive devices, the indictment said.

“All I know is I want to start terror, bro, I want to petrify these people,” Kayumi allegedly told Balat the morning before the attack, according to the indictment.

Police detain Emir Balat after he attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device during a counterprotest against a right-wing influencer staging an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Julius Constantine Motal)

According to the indictment, Balat directed Kayumi to commit