Two Apprehended, Facing Federal Terrorism Charges After IED Activation Outside Gracie Mansion
On March 7, during clashing protests outside Gracie Mansion in New York City, two individuals were apprehended after improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were activated. NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro intervened, with Chief Edwards tackling one suspect and Sergeant Navarro approaching a lit device. Both suspects are now facing federal terrorism charges in connection with the incident.
"NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro intervened, with Chief Edwards tackling one suspect and Sergeant Navarro approaching a lit device."
Incident Details
The event occurred outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Authorities identified the individuals involved as Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, both reportedly from Pennsylvania.
According to reports, one IED was thrown into a crowd. Balat was in the process of attempting to throw a second IED, which was handed to him by Kayumi, when law enforcement intervened. A second lit and smoking IED was subsequently dropped by Balat.
Law Enforcement Response
NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards tackled Balat to the ground as he prepared to throw a second device. Simultaneously, Sergeant Luis Navarro reportedly ran toward the second lit and smoking IED that Balat had dropped.
Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch later commended both officers for their actions.
Mayor Mamdani stated that the officers "faced a chaotic situation that very quickly could have become far more dangerous."
Commissioner Tisch highlighted that Sergeant Navarro ran towards the lit device "without hesitation and without regard for [his] own safety."
Chief Edwards stated his objective during the incident was to apprehend the individual. Sergeant Navarro remarked that it was the most extreme situation he had encountered in his 11 years with the NYPD, noting that his counterterrorism training was applied in that moment.
Charges and Official Statements
Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi are facing multiple federal terrorism charges. Authorities stated that the two men were described as being inspired by ISIS.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch referred to the incident as "a planned attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization."
Officer Backgrounds
Chief Aaron Edwards, reported to be 44 or 46 years old, has served with the NYPD for nearly 23 years. He was promoted to borough chief of Manhattan, North, in December. Commissioner Tisch stated that Chief Edwards was inspired to join the police force after witnessing NYPD officers during September 11.
Sergeant Luis Navarro has been on the force for 11 years and was also promoted to his current rank last December. He previously served in the NYPD's office of public information and on patrol in Manhattan.