Video shows suspect in NYC bombing purchasing fuse at fireworks shop
New surveillance footage was recently released, showing a man purchasing a fuse at a fireworks store just days before he allegedly brought homemade bombs to a protest near the mayor’s residence in New York City. Emir Balat, 18, visited a Phantom Fireworks store outside Philadelphia and bought 20 feet of consumer fireworks safety fuse on March 2. Along with Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, both men were arrested after attempting to set off improvised explosives at a small anti-Muslim rally in Manhattan.
According to law enforcement officials and a criminal complaint, the men claimed to be inspired by the Islamic State group. They were charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. The suspects did not enter a plea during their initial court appearance and were held without bail.
Security camera footage from Phantom Fireworks showed Balat shopping at the store in Pennsylvania. The man identified as Balat was seen holding a coiled item, interacting with an employee at the store, and making a purchase. The store confirmed the purchase of a fuse for $6.89. This newly released footage sheds light on the planning that may have gone into the events surrounding the attack as authorities continue to investigate the motives and relationship between Balat and Kayumi.
The two men reportedly traveled from Pennsylvania to join counterprotesters at the rally organized by far-right activist Jake Lang. At the event, Balat was photographed throwing a device that contained the explosive TATP but did not cause harm. A second object was dropped near police officers before Balat was apprehended and arrested. In his statement to the police, Balat expressed a desire to achieve something bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing.
Following his court appearance, Balat’s lawyer mentioned that his client was dealing with personal issues, while stating that Balat and Kayumi were not known to each other and did not share any apparent connection prior to the incident. Kayumi’s lawyer did not provide any comments to reporters after a court hearing. It was revealed that Kayumi’s mother had reported him missing the day of the protest.
FBI investigations included controlled detonations of explosive residue found in a storage facility in Langhorne, where Balat was enrolled in a virtual program after ceasing in-person classes. Kayumi graduated from high school in 2024. The involvement of the two suspects in the attempted attack continues to be under scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.