Federal agents searched the Pennsylvania homes of two teenagers accused of throwing improvised explosive devices during a clash between rival protest groups outside New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence, as authorities intensified a terrorism investigation into the incident.The FBI’s Evidence Response Team on Sunday raided the homes of Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a day after they were arrested during a protest near Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.Agents were seen removing potential evidence, including what appeared to be computer equipment, from Balat’s residence in Langhorne. Authorities also searched Kayumi’s home in nearby Newtown as part of the probe. The FBI said it is working with the New York Police Department (NYPD) through the Joint Terrorism Task Force to examine the explosive devices and track possible links or accomplices.
Improvised explosive devices thrown during protest
The investigation follows a tense confrontation on Saturday between a small anti-Islam protest group and a larger counter-protest outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.According to police, the two suspects allegedly handled and deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the clash.Police commissioner Jessica Tisch said one suspect lit an explosive device and threw it toward the protest area. The device landed near police officers, emitted flames and smoke, struck a barrier and extinguished itself.Authorities said the same individual then allegedly ignited a second device, which was dropped nearby before both suspects were detained.
Devices could have caused serious harm
Preliminary bomb squad analysis determined that the objects were real IEDs and not smoke bombs or hoax devices, officials said.Investigators said the explosives contained materials such as nuts, bolts and screws and could have caused serious injuries or fatalities if they had detonated properly.No injuries were reported, though police said officers and civilians were only a few feet away from where the device landed.
Possible extremist links under probe
According to the New York Post, the explosive material used in the device is believed to include TATP, a volatile compound commonly associated with extremist attacks worldwide and sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Satan.”Federal and city investigators are reviewing videos, interviewing witnesses and examining additional suspicious items recovered from the scene and nearby areas.
Clashes during Anti-Islam protest
The violence broke out during protests outside Gracie Mansion. A group led by far-right activist Jake Lang held a demonstration titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City”, while a larger counter-protest called “Run the Nazis Out of New York City” drew more than 100 participants.Police said tensions escalated after a protester used pepper spray, triggering scuffles between demonstrators. Six people were arrested during the clashes.Mayor Mamdani was not at the residence at the time of the incident.
