Newly released surveillance video shows Emir Balat, an 18-year-old from suburban Philadelphia, purchasing a consumer fireworks safety fuse at Phantom Fireworks store in Penndel, Pennsylvania. The purchase occurred days before authorities claim he and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, attempted to set off homemade bombs during a protest outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence.
Key Takeaways
Surveillance video shows Emir Balat buying fireworks fuse days before attempting to set off homemade bombs at NYC protest.
- Video captures Balat purchasing fuse at Phantom Fireworks in Penndel, PA
- Both suspects inspired by Islamic State group, according to authorities
- Devices failed to detonate; no injuries reported during incident
- Suspects charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction
Balat was captured on security camera footage shopping at the store on March 2nd. He purchased 20 feet of consumer fireworks safety fuse for $6.89, according to Phantom Fireworks company statements. The video shows Balat holding a coiled item and placing it on the counter as he speaks with an employee before paying cash.
On Saturday, both suspects were arrested after attempting to set off improvised explosives at a small anti-Muslim rally near Gracie Mansion in Manhattan. According to law enforcement officials and a criminal complaint, Balat and Kayumi admitted they were inspired by the Islamic State group. They are charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction.
During their initial court appearance on Monday, neither suspect entered a plea and both were ordered held without bail. Prosecutors allege Balat hurled one device containing TATP explosive and nuts/bolts that extinguished itself without harming anyone. He then dropped another object near police officers before being tackled and arrested.
In response to police questioning, Balat reportedly stated he hoped to accomplish something 'even bigger' than the Boston Marathon bombing. The FBI has conducted multiple searches in connection with their investigation, including a controlled detonation of explosive residue found during a search of a storage facility in Langhorne.
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