ISIS-Inspired Attack Foiled: Two Charged with Terror Plot

ISIS-Inspired Attack Foiled: Two Charged with Terror Plot

NEW YORK – Federal authorities have filed charges against two individuals, Amir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, in connection with an “ISIS-inspired” attack that occurred outside the home of a prominent figure on Saturday. The defendants face serious federal charges including attempting to provide material support to ISIS, using a weapon of mass destruction, and unlawful possession of destructive devices. The complaint alleges that both men were motivated by the foreign terrorist organization, with one defendant explicitly stating his allegiance to the Islamic State.

Defendants’ Alleged ISIS Motivation

According to the criminal complaint, both Amir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi admitted to acting on Saturday due to inspiration from ISIS. When Kayumi was being arrested, he responded with “ISIS” when asked why he had committed the act. Post-arrest statements, made after waiving his Miranda rights, revealed that Kayumi had watched ISIS propaganda on his phone and that his actions were partly inspired by it.

Amir Balat also made spontaneous statements captured on body-worn camera footage en route to the precinct. He stated, “this isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet we take action we take action as well as if i didn’t do it someone will else someone else will come and do it.” Later, after waiving his rights, Balat wrote a message declaring, “I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic state die in your rage you kuffar now.” Investigators noted that “die in your rage” is a known ISIS slogan, and “kuffar” is an Arabic term for non-believers.

Crucially, Balat also told investigators that he had hoped to carry out an attack even larger than the Boston Marathon bombing, which he noted resulted in only three deaths. These statements, as detailed in the complaint, underscore that the incident was not random violence but a planned attack driven by extremist ideology and inspired by a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Details of the Attack and Recovered Materials

The complaint further outlines the nature of the attack, revealing that preliminary testing of one of the recovered devices identified triacetone triperoxide (TATP), also known as “mother of satan.” This is a highly volatile explosive that has been used in numerous terrorist attacks globally over the last decade.

Investigators identified a vehicle linked to the defendants on East End Avenue. Inside this vehicle, handwritten notes referencing TATP explosive and listing chemical ingredients for the type of explosive device used were recovered. The timing of the defendants’ arrival and actions was also meticulously documented. They reportedly crossed the George Washington Bridge at 11:36 a.m. on Saturday, parked on East End Avenue at 12:05 p.m., and ignited and threw the devices at approximately 12:15 p.m., leading to their immediate arrest.

Joint Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been working in seamless coordination with federal partners, including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes NYPD detectives. This collaborative effort has been central to the investigation, with search warrants executed at the defendants’ residences in Pennsylvania.

“Make no mistake, what happened this weekend was incredibly dangerous and the ongoing investigation will be exhaustive.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell expressed profound gratitude for the swift and effective response from all agencies involved. “I want to thank our great United States Attorney Jay Clayton for his extraordinary partnership as well as the prosecutors from SDNY for everything that they do, especially for their work on this investigation and their forthcoming prosecution,” Commissioner Sewell stated. She also lauded the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their around-the-clock work since Saturday.

The Commissioner specifically recognized the bravery of the NYPD officers who responded to the scene. “The officers assigned to that protest who ran toward a lit improvised explosive device, the bomb squad technicians who secured and analyzed the devices, the detectives and analysts who worked through the night to develop this investigation, and the countless members of service who helped ensure the security of the people of New York City during a very tense and dangerous situation,” she said.

Federal Charges and Legal Proceedings

United States Attorney Jay Clayton detailed the five federal counts against Balat and Kayumi: 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.

“Free speech and peaceable assembly are the bedrock of American democracy but violence is not protected and it’s not protected protest it’s not protected speech in New York violence particularly violence that has a terrorist bent violence it is meant to chill free speech violence that is meant to chill free speech violence that is meant to keep us from assembling peaceably will be met with swift justice.”

Clayton emphasized that while the facts alleged in the complaint are serious, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. He reiterated that the actions were ISIS-inspired and highlighted the chilling intent to surpass the scale of the Boston Marathon bombing. The U.S. Attorney’s office assured that violence intended to chill free speech or prevent peaceable assembly will be met with swift justice.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Outlook

The investigation into the attack remains active and ongoing. Authorities are encouraging anyone with further information to contact the FBI. The NYPD has stated it remains on heightened alert, committed to ensuring the safety of New Yorkers. The successful and rapid apprehension and charging of the suspects demonstrate a robust law enforcement response to potential terrorist threats.

Source: NYPD speak out on 'ISIS-inspired' attack outside Mamdani's home (YouTube)