3 things to know about alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot in NYC

1. Suspects expressed support for ISIS

Authorities said that the two suspects acted in support of IS, a foreign terrorist organization. Balat lives in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and Kayumi lives in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

According to a Monday press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the charges against the pair include attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, use of a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials, interstate transportation and receipt of explosives, and unlawful possession of destructive devices. 

When announcing the charges against the suspects on Monday, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said that the pair claimed they were aligned with IS after NYPD officers apprehended them. 

According to the complaint, Balat ignited and threw an explosive device during a protest called “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer” and a counter-protest called “Run Nazis Out of New York City.” The demonstrations took place on March 7 outside of Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, New York. 

After throwing the first explosive device, Balat received another one from Kayumi, as noted in the complaint. Balat dropped the second device near several NYPD officers before jumping a barricade as he attempted to run away. NYPD officers later caught and arrested the suspect along with Kayumi. 

On Sunday, Authorities located a parked vehicle registered to a family member of Balat’s parked a few blocks from Gracie Mansion. Law enforcement officials recovered from the vehicle: a coiled green material resembling a fuse used to light fireworks, an empty metal can with a similar appearance to the first explosive device thrown, and a notebook containing handwritten notes. 

While en route to the NYPD precinct, Balat told officers: “This isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet ... We take action! We take action!”; and “if I didn’t do it, someone else will come and do it.”

The complaint described Balat requesting a pen and paper after arriving at the NYPD precinct, which he used to write: “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar! Emir B.”

Kayumi also expressed support for the terrorist group when an individual asked the suspect about his motivations as he was being placed inside a police vehicle, with the suspect replying: “ISIS.” Later, when asked at the NYPD precinct whether he was affiliated with IS, Kayumi responded in the affirmative, according to the complaint. 

“He further stated, in substance and part, that: (i) he has watched ISIS propaganda on his phone; (ii) his actions that day were partly inspired by ISIS; (iii) he did not feel comfortable holding the Devices earlier that day; and (iv) he would not feel comfortable if the Devices were in the interrogation room with him,” the complaint stated.

In response to police questioning, Balat said he hoped to accomplish something “even bigger” than the Boston Marathon bombing, saying that the 2013 attack resulted in “only three deaths.”