Two men have been charged with terrorism-related offenses after attempting to detonate explosives outside the New York City residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Authorities identified the suspects as 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi. Police said the pair planned an attack “even larger” than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, although none of the devices detonated. A third explosive device was later found in their vehicle.

Jessica Tisch, New York City Police Commissioner, said the suspects admitted being inspired by Islamic State propaganda and had watched extremist videos.

“We were fortunate that the devices used this weekend did not cause the kind of harm that they were certainly capable of causing,” Tisch said.

According to authorities, Balat made statements during transport suggesting he was determined to carry out the attack. He reportedly said, “If I didn’t do it, someone else will come and do it,” and expressed a desire for the attack to surpass the Boston Marathon bombing, which resulted in three deaths.

The two men appeared in court on Monday wearing prison jumpsuits and were ordered to remain in custody until April 8 pending further proceedings.

Balat’s lawyer described him as a high school senior with no prior arrests, noting he had “complicated stuff going on” in his personal life.

Mayor Mamdani emphasized that the men “should be held fully accountable for their actions.” Tisch added that the explosives, made from triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and surrounded by nuts and bolts, could have caused severe injuries or fatalities.

The NYPD stated that its counter-terrorism investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether additional threats exist.

The case underscores the continued risk posed by individuals motivated by extremist propaganda and the importance of vigilant counter-terrorism efforts in urban areas.