Federal prosecutors have unveiled ISIS New York attack charges against two young men accused of hurling improvised explosive devices during a politically charged protest in New York City — an incident authorities say could have ended in catastrophe.

Law enforcement officials described the attempted bombing as an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism, underscoring growing fears about online radicalization among younger individuals.

The suspects, now in custody, allegedly traveled from Pennsylvania to New York with explosive devices capable of causing serious injury or death.

Police: Improvised Explosives Used at Protest

During a press conference Monday, Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the New York City Police Department, said investigators from the NYPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are treating the attack attempt as terrorism.

Authorities identified the suspects as Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, both residents of Pennsylvania.

“These were not hoax devices nor smoke bombs,” Tisch said. “They were improvised explosive devices that could have caused serious injury or death.”

Officials say the two men allegedly threw two explosive devices during a Saturday protest outside the official residence of Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor.

The protest itself was organized by far-right activist Jake Lang, who has repeatedly criticized Mamdani.

Chemical Linked to Global Bomb Plots

According to police, at least one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide, commonly known as TATP — a volatile explosive frequently used in improvised bombs worldwide.

“Devices like these have the potential to cause devastating harm,” Tisch said.

Authorities later discovered a third device, which did not contain explosive material, inside a nearby vehicle. That device was safely removed and disposed of Sunday.

Officials said the two suspects appeared to target the right-wing protesters attending the rally.

Federal Prosecutors Unseal Terror Charges

On Monday, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced formal ISIS New York attack charges against the pair.

Speaking at a news conference, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the suspects face several serious counts, including:

• Providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization

• Use of a weapon of mass destruction

“These were ISIS-inspired actions,” Clayton said.

“Violence — especially terrorism meant to intimidate the public or silence free speech — will be met with swift justice.”

The five-count indictment unsealed in federal court states both men admitted during questioning that they were inspired by ISIS, also known as the Islamic State.

Investigators Cite Allegiance to ISIS

Court documents detail disturbing statements allegedly made by the suspects.

Investigators say Balat wrote a note declaring he had “pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.”

During interviews with police, he also allegedly said he wanted to carry out an attack “bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing.”

The Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 killed three people and injured hundreds.

Kayumi, meanwhile, reportedly told investigators that he watched ISIS content on his phone and considered himself “affiliated” with the terrorist organization.

Authorities have not yet determined whether the pair acted entirely on their own or were directly recruited by ISIS.

Officials Warn of Rising Youth Radicalization

Experts say the case reflects a troubling pattern.

Rebecca Weiner, who leads the NYPD’s counterterrorism intelligence efforts, warned that extremist violence is increasingly involving younger suspects.

“Younger and younger individuals are radicalizing and mobilizing to violence,” Weiner said.

She noted that social media and online culture often serve as catalysts for extremist indoctrination.

Officials say similar online radicalization played a role in the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia last year, which authorities say was inspired by ISIS and killed 15 people.

Mayor Condemns Violence Despite Protest Tensions

The alleged attack unfolded during a heated demonstration that Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized as fueled by bigotry.

Still, the mayor emphasized that violence — from any side — is unacceptable.

“Many of the counter-protesters met this display of bigotry peacefully,” Mamdani said.

“A few did not.”

He added that Balat and Kayumi traveled from Pennsylvania in an apparent attempt to escalate tensions.

Mamdani and Commissioner Tisch praised NYPD officers for responding quickly, preventing further violence and capturing the suspects.

Free Speech vs. Violence

Even as tensions simmered, Mamdani defended the right of the protest’s organizer, Jake Lang, to continue demonstrating outside his residence.

“Ours is a free society where the right to peaceful protest is sacred,” Mamdani said.

“It does not belong only to those we agree with.”

But he added a clear warning:

“New York City will never tolerate violence.”

Security Alert Remains Elevated

City officials stressed that the attempted bombing does not appear connected to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran.

Still, authorities remain on high alert.

“We have been on a heightened state of alert in New York City since the start of hostilities in Iran,” Tisch said.

“And we remain in that posture today.”

For investigators, the case represents both a narrow escape and a chilling reminder: in an era shaped by social media and extremist propaganda, the path from online radicalization to real-world violence can be dangerously short.