The silence was broken not by refusal, but by a chilling confession. Following Saturday’s attempted bombing at a New York City demonstration, the two young men taken into custody offered a disturbing, unsolicited narrative of their motives.
Police bodycam footage, now part of a federal court filing, paints a stark picture. As 18-year-old Emir Balat was transported to the precinct, his words revealed a dedication to Islamic terrorism that fueled the attempted attack.
“This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet,” Balat declared, his voice captured on recording. “We take action! We take action!” His “action,” authorities say, was the construction and deployment of explosive devices intended to kill participants in a protest outside the home of New York City’s mayor.
The protest itself was a clash of ideologies: “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer” met with a counter-protest demanding, “Run Nazis out of New York City.” The volatile atmosphere became instantly deadly when Balat ignited and threw a bomb toward the anti-Islam demonstrators.
Undeterred, he retrieved another device from his accomplice, 19-year-old Ibraham Kayumi. Balat then lit the second bomb and dropped it near approaching police officers before attempting to flee, only to be apprehended almost immediately.
Kayumi’s initial response to questioning was equally revealing. When asked about his involvement, he simply stated, “ISIS.” The connection to the terrorist organization was quickly reinforced by Balat’s own actions.
At the precinct, provided with pen and paper, Balat penned a formal pledge of allegiance. “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds,” he wrote. “I pledge my allegience [sic] to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar!” The term “kuffar” is a derogatory label for non-Muslims, and “die in your rage” is a known Islamic State rallying cry.
Balat’s ambition extended beyond the immediate attack. When questioned about the scale of his intentions, and asked if he modeled the bombing on the 2013 Boston Marathon attack, his response was chillingly dismissive. “No, even bigger,” he stated. “It was only three deaths.”
Both Balat and Kayumi now face charges including attempting to provide material support to ISIS, use of a weapon of mass destruction, and unlawful possession of destructive devices. They hail from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, their families having immigrated from Turkey and Afghanistan and becoming naturalized citizens in the years prior.
