March 10 (UPI) -- Two men who allegedly threw improvised devices at protesters outside the home of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani have been charged with five terrorism-related crimes.
Emir Balat, 18, of Langhorne, Pa., and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, of Newtown, Pa., were 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. They face up to life in prison.
The men allegedly threw improvised devices at anti-Islamic protesters on Saturday. The Department of Justice said that the men, who waived their Miranda rights, said they did it in support of ISIS.
The anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion, the official home of the mayor of New York, was organized by people associated with Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter and far-right influencer, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. It was called, "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer." Another group of about 100 people held a counter-protest called "Run the Nazis Out of New York/Stand Against Hate."
