ISIS Style Mother Of Satan Bomb Used In Failed NYC Terror Attempt

A failed terror attack in New York City this weekend could have ended in tragedy if not for sheer luck and quick police response.

Two suspects allegedly threw improvised explosive devices toward a crowd gathered outside Gracie Mansion in Manhattan the residence of the city’s mayor. The explosives did not detonate, and no one was injured, but investigators say the devices contained one of the most notorious terrorist explosives used in modern attacks.

Authorities identified the explosive as triacetone triperoxide, commonly known as TATP. The unstable chemical compound has earned the chilling nickname “Mother of Satan” because of its volatility and devastating power.

Police are currently investigating the incident as ISIS-inspired terrorism.

The suspects identified as 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi and 18-year-old Emir Balat allegedly ignited two explosive devices near protesters and police officers before being quickly apprehended by authorities.

Investigators say one device was thrown toward a group of protesters while the second was dropped near law enforcement officers. Both explosives were packed with shrapnel such as nuts, bolts, and screws, which can dramatically increase casualties if a bomb detonates in a crowded area.

According to federal safety agencies, even small amounts of TATP can cause severe damage.

The explosive has become a preferred weapon for terrorist groups because the chemical ingredients used to create it are relatively inexpensive and widely available. That accessibility has made it particularly dangerous in lone-wolf and ISIS-inspired attacks.

Since 2005, terrorists using TATP bombs have killed nearly 500 people worldwide.

Several of the deadliest terror attacks of the past two decades involved the “Mother of Satan” explosive:

• 2015 Paris attacks: ISIS terrorists killed 130 people across multiple coordinated attacks throughout the city.

• 2016 Brussels bombings: Suicide bombers detonated TATP explosives at the airport and a metro station, killing 32 people and injuring nearly 350.

• 2017 Manchester Arena bombing: A suicide attacker detonated a TATP device at a concert, killing 22 people, including 10 victims under the age of 20.

Investigators determined the Manchester bomb was powerful enough to kill people more than 60 feet away, highlighting how destructive even a small TATP device can be.

Another major attack involving the explosive occurred in 2019 on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka, when ISIS-linked terrorists carried out coordinated suicide bombings targeting churches and hotels. More than 250 people were killed in the massacre.

Security experts say the failed attack in Manhattan could have easily joined that list of tragedies.

Video footage shows one suspect throwing a lit device toward the protest crowd while the other placed a second explosive nearby. The fact that the devices failed to detonate likely prevented mass casualties.

Authorities quickly detained both suspects at the scene.

Investigators say the two men had recently traveled abroad and appear to have connections to the Middle East. According to reports, the suspects spent time in Turkey, and one traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2024.

Officials have not yet confirmed direct operational ties to ISIS or another terrorist organization. However, investigators say the suspects admitted to watching ISIS propaganda videos online.

One suspect reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during questioning after being taken into custody.

Authorities also say the suspects told investigators they targeted protesters outside the mayor’s residence because they believed the demonstrators had disrespected their religion.

The protest had been organized by activist Jake Lang and focused on criticizing what organizers described as a growing Islamist influence in the city.

Despite the seriousness of the attempted bombing, the mayor initially focused his public remarks on condemning the protest itself, describing it as rooted in bigotry before addressing the attempted attack.

“What followed was even more disturbing,” he later said. “Violence at a protest is never acceptable.”

Meanwhile, counterterrorism officials are continuing to examine whether the suspects built the explosives themselves or received assistance from others.

Law enforcement sources say additional charges and details about the suspects could emerge as investigators analyze the materials used in the bombs and review the suspects’ digital communications.

For now, authorities emphasize that the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the continuing threat posed by extremist violence and how quickly a public gathering can become the target of a deadly terror plot.

Share this with others or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates.