Video shows NYC bombing suspect purchasing fuse in fireworks store
Surveillance footage recently made public reveals what seems to be a young man buying a fuse from a fireworks store shortly before he and another individual tried to set off homemade bombs at a protest close to the New York City mayor’s residence. Emir Balat, 18, visited a Phantom Fireworks store near his home in Pennsylvania on March 2nd, where he bought 20 feet of a consumer fireworks safety fuse. He and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were apprehended after trying to detonate improvised explosives at a small anti-Muslim rally near Gracie Mansion in Manhattan.
Following their arrest, it was reported that the men admitted to being inspired by the Islamic State group. They now face charges of providing support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. Although they are yet to enter a plea, they were ordered to be detained without bail.
Security camera footage from Phantom Fireworks captured Balat shopping at their store in Penndel, Pennsylvania. The video shows him holding a coiled object and speaking with a store employee before proceeding to pay for the fuse in cash. According to Phantom Fireworks, the fuse was priced at $6.89. These details and footage may provide crucial insights into the preparation for the attack and the connection between Balat and Kayumi.
Investigators are now delving into the potential motives and relationship between the suspects. Law enforcement officials state that the men traveled from Pennsylvania to New York City to join counterprotestors at the rally. Balat was seen throwing a device containing TATP, nuts, and bolts, which fortunately did not harm anyone. He then attempted to flee but was apprehended by the authorities. During police questioning, he expressed aspirations to carry out an event even more significant than the Boston Marathon bombing.
Law enforcement has conducted multiple searches related to the case, including controlled detonations of explosive residue found at a storage facility linked to Balat. Regarding their backgrounds, Balat was a senior at Neshaminy High School enrolled in a remote program, while Kayumi graduated from Council Rock High School North in 2024.
Balat’s lawyer mentioned that his client had complex personal circumstances, declining to provide further details. He affirmed that the suspects did not have significant ties before the incident, suggesting a relatively newfound connection.
Kayumi’s legal representation chose not to comment on the case. Nevertheless, his mother reported him missing to the police on the day of the protest, stating that she had not seen him since that morning. As investigations persist, details from the surveillance footage and purchase records provide crucial information on the events leading up to the attempted bombing in New York City.