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NYPD Confirms Improvised Explosive at Gracie Mansion Protest as FBI Leads Terrorism Probe

Federal investigators are pursuing a terrorism case while forensic testing continues and prosecutors weigh charges.

Overview

  • - A preliminary NYPD Bomb Squad analysis found at least one device ignited on March 7 was a functioning improvised explosive capable of causing serious injury or death.
  • - Two Pennsylvania men, identified as 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested at the scene and remain in custody as part of a joint FBINYPD investigation with federal prosecutors.
  • - Investigators executed searches in Pennsylvania and removed a suspicious item from a nearby vehicle for testing after temporary evacuations, extending the probe beyond the protest site.
  • - Early testing indicated a possible presence of TATP in one container, according to sources, with confirmatory forensic results still pending.
  • - Police say the device was jar-like with nuts, bolts, screws and a hobby fuse; an 18-year-old counterprotester lit and threw one device, attempted to ignite a second, and no injuries were reported as six total arrests were made.