Dashcam footage reveals plans for mass-casualty attack at NYC protest

Two teenagers accused of bringing homemade explosive devices to a protest in New York City had their plans recorded on a dashboard camera inside their vehicle, according to a newly released indictment.

As reported in The Independent, prosecutors allege that Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, travelled from Pennsylvania to Manhattan ahead of a March 7 demonstration outside the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Authorities say the pair threw two improvised explosive devices during the protest, though neither detonated and both men were quickly arrested.

Audio and video recovered from a dashboard camera allegedly captured the pair outlining their intentions. In the recordings, prosecutors say the men discussed targeting both government officials and civilians, with one stating a desire to “start terror.”

According to court documents, Balat claimed he had calculated the potential impact of the devices, suggesting they could kill between eight and 16 people, or as many as 60 in a crowded setting. He is also accused of describing how the attack would be carried out, including a countdown before throwing the explosives and possible alternative targets if the initial plan failed.

Investigators said a notebook found in the vehicle detailed a separate plan involving a vehicle attack on large public gatherings such as festivals and parades.

The devices allegedly contained the highly volatile explosive TATP along with shrapnel. 

Both men are being held without bail and face multiple federal charges, including attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organisation and using a weapon of mass destruction. They have not yet entered pleas.