NYPD Presser Addressing Counter Protester Improvised Explosive Attack
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Amir Balot and Ibraim Caillumi were federally charged with five counts, including material support to ISIS and using a weapon of mass destruction.
- ❖Both defendants admitted to being inspired by ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
- ❖One deployed device contained TATP (triacetone triperoxide), a highly volatile explosive used in past terrorist attacks.
- ❖The defendants traveled from Pennsylvania to New York City, arriving an hour before deploying the devices at a protest outside Gracie Mansion.
- ❖The investigation involved seamless cooperation between the NYPD, FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Southern District of New York.
- ❖Authorities noted an elevated threat environment and the challenge of preventing lone-actor attacks, particularly with youth radicalization via social media.
Insights
1Federal Terrorism Charges Filed Against Two Individuals
Amir Balot and Ibraim Caillumi were charged federally with five counts: attempting to provide material support to ISIS, using a weapon of mass destruction, transporting explosive materials, interstate transportation and receipt of explosive materials, and unlawful possession of destructive devices. These charges stem from their deployment of explosive devices during a protest.
Commissioner Tish stated, 'federal charges have been filed... against two individuals, Amir Balat and Ibraim Caillumi, in connection with that attack. The defendants are charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, using a weapon of mass destruction, transporting explosive materials...' ()
2ISIS Inspiration and Extremist Motivation Confirmed
Both defendants admitted their actions were inspired by ISIS. Caillumi explicitly stated 'ISIS' when asked why he acted, and later confirmed watching ISIS propaganda. Balot made spontaneous statements about taking action for the prophet and later wrote a message pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, using the common ISIS slogan 'die in your rage, you kufur.' He also expressed a desire for an attack exceeding the Boston Marathon bombing in lethality.
As alleged in the complaint, the defendants were inspired by ISIS to carry out their attack. Both defendants have admitted that they acted on Saturday because of ISIS. Caillumi responded with ISIS. Balot said, 'This isn't a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet, we take action, we take action.' He also wrote, 'I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State, die in your rage, you kufur.' (, , , , )
3Use of Highly Volatile TATP Explosive
Preliminary testing confirmed one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), also known as 'mother of Satan.' This is a highly volatile explosive used in multiple terrorist attacks globally over the last decade. Investigators found handwritten notes referencing TATP and its chemical ingredients in the defendants' vehicle.
Preliminary testing has determined that one of the devices contained triacetone triparoxide or TATP, also commonly referred to as mother of Satan, a highly volatile explosive that has been used in multiple terrorist attacks over the last decade. Inside that vehicle, investigators recovered handwritten notes referencing TATP explosive and listing chemical ingredients. (, )
4Rapid and Coordinated Inter-Agency Investigation
The NYPD, FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), and the Southern District of New York (SDNY) conducted a seamless and exhaustive investigation. This included executing search warrants at the defendants' residences in Pennsylvania and tracking their travel into New York City via license plate readers, pinpointing their arrival and the timing of the attack.
The NYPD has been working seamlessly with our federal partners, many of whom have joined us here. In particular, the FBI's joint terrorism task force, which includes NYPD detectives, working alongside federal agents. They have been at the center of this investigation. The two defendants arrived in New York City roughly one hour before they were arrested. (, )
5Elevated Threat Environment and Youth Radicalization
Authorities highlighted the current elevated threat environment and the growing trend of younger individuals radicalizing and mobilizing to violence. This phenomenon is amplified by social media and online culture, affecting various ideological spectrums, not just ISIS. The incident serves as a 'sobering reminder' of the lone actor threat and the challenges in detecting such individuals before an attack.
This weekend was just another example of the elevated threat environment we're currently living in. This is very much in keeping with a trend that we are seeing among ISIS inspired adherence... Younger and younger individuals who are radicalizing and mobilizing to violence. And this is taking place against the backdrop of social media, the dynamics of online culture. (, )
Lessons
- Report any suspicious activity or information related to potential terrorist threats to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting tips online at fbi.gov.
- Remain vigilant and aware of the elevated threat environment, understanding that lone actor threats can emerge without prior intelligence 'tripping the wires' of law enforcement.
- Educate yourself and others on the signs of radicalization, particularly among youth influenced by online extremist content, to potentially intervene or report concerns.
Quotes
"This isn't a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet, we take action, we take action."
"I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State, die in your rage, you kufur."
"It is chilling that they wanted to do something more than the Boston Marathon. More than three deaths."
"If it weren't for the bravery of two New York's finest, we could have had a much more tragic incident."
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