US

New York Bombers Wanted Attack ‘Bigger’ Than Boston Marathon

Jim.henderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The alleged Gracie Mansion bombers wanted to create an attack deadlier than the Boston Marathon bombing, authorities have revealed.

The Department of Justice brought multiple charges against self-avowed ISIS supporters Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, on Monday for allegedly attempting to “detonate two explosive devices” near Gracie Mansion, the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the men hoped their attack would eclipse the deadly 2013 Boston Marathon bombing which killed three people and wounded hundreds more.

“These men allegedly sought to inflict mass casualties in service to ISIS with the hope of exceeding the carnage of the Boston Marathon bombing,” Blanche said, according to a Monday press release.

Speaking to law enforcement, Balat allegedly replied that he wanted an “even bigger” attack than the Boston bombing. “It was only three deaths,” Balat told officers.

The press release states that during a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer” protest outside Gracie Mansion, Balat allegedly “ignited and threw an explosive device” toward protesters.

After throwing the device, Balat allegedly retrieved a second explosive from Kayumi down the block. Balat appeared to ignite and drop it near several New York Police Department (NYPD) officers before running away. He was quickly tackled, and both he and Kayumi were arrested by officers moments later.

After his arrest, Balat told NYPD officers, “This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet.” He claimed, “If I didn’t do it someone else will come and do it.”

The press release states that Balat requested a piece of paper after arriving at the NYPD precinct, allegedly writing, “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar! Emir B.” Kuffar is the plural form of “kafir,” an Arabic word which means “nonbeliever” or “infidel” according to the Counter Extremism Project.

When law enforcement officers questioned Kayumi, he simply replied his motivation was “ISIS.” Kayumi later affirmed his association with the terrorist organization at the NYPD precinct, claiming he had “watched ISIS propaganda on his phone” and “his actions that day were partly inspired by ISIS.” He also claimed to “not feel comfortable holding the Devices” and “would not feel comfortable if the Devices were in the interrogation room with him.”

Balat and Kayumi have been charged with attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, use of a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials, interstate transportation and receipt of explosives and unlawful possession of destructive devices, each charge carrying a maximum of between 10 and 20 years in prison.