Police Raid NYC Bombing Suspects’ Homes After Third Device Found

Federal authorities carried out raids on the homes of the two suspects accused of throwing explosive devices at a group of right-wing protesters and New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers on Saturday. The raids occurred after law enforcement officials uncovered what is believed to be a third explosive device on Sunday afternoon.

The raids targeted properties and in Langhorne and Newtown Townships, both in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi respectively reside. The two men — who told investigators they were inspired by ISIS — tossed a homemade nail bomb at a group of Christian protesters at an event organized by right-wing activist Jake Lang.

During these operations, investigators examined vehicles, electronics, and other items for evidence related to the construction and transportation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), according to a report from ABC News. Family members were interviewed as part of the process, though no additional arrests were reported from the raids.

NEW DETAILS: As Part Of Investigation, FBI Raids Homes In Middletown & Newtown https://t.co/nBZja66x5a pic.twitter.com/ylcox4nkQt

— Tom Sofield (@BuxMontNews) March 9, 2026

A significant development occurred Sunday afternoon when NYPD officers discovered a third suspicious device in a vehicle believed to belong to one of the suspects. The vehicle was parked in Manhattan and linked to the ongoing investigation.

The NYPD’s bomb squad quickly responded to the area and proceeded to remove the device for testing at a specialized facility. Preliminary assessments suggest it may contain triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a volatile homemade explosive similar to those used in the initial devices, though confirmation is pending, according to a report from the New York Post.

The initial incident occurred around 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday near East End Avenue and East 87th Street in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, adjacent to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence. A group of about 20 protesters organized by Lang gathered outside Mamdani’s residence to protest the spread of Islam in the United States, where they were met by a larger group of protesters.

The two groups proceeded to clash prior to the bomb-throwing incident, which led to four additional arrests.

About 30 minutes into the event, Balat ran up to the protesters and shouted “Allahu Albar” before tossing the device towards the crowd. Smoke could be seen emanating from the device, though it ultimately failed to detonate.

Balat then ran towards Kayumi, who handed him an additional device while police pursued. That device landed just in front of a group of NYPD officers before both men were promptly tackled by officers.

NYPD Bomb Squad analysis confirmed the first as an IED capable of causing serious injury or death. That device contained screws, nails and other components associated with IEDs, as well as a homemade fuse. The second device is still undergoing testing.

Remarkably, no injuries were sustained after the devices failed to detonate.

At the protest outside Gracie Mansion in NYC, a shocking moment was captured on video. In the exact second the incident unfolded, an Arab male can be seen running toward activist Jake Lang while yelling “Allahu Akbar,” holding what appears to be an explosive device before… pic.twitter.com/nyoKTYjEaZ

— Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) March 7, 2026

The suspects, both U.S. citizens from Pennsylvania, are believed to have traveled to New York City specifically to carry out the attacks. Travel records show Balat visited Istanbul, Turkey, in 2025, and Kayumi traveled to Istanbul and Saudi Arabia in 2024. Investigators are currently probing both trips, while at least one of the suspects admitted to being inspired by ISIS, the New York Post reported.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is collaborating with the NYPD and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force on the investigation. Federal prosecutors have taken the lead, citing the IEDs’ construction and intent, which could result in enhanced penalties under anti-terrorism statutes.

The investigation is ongoing as of this report.

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