CNN recently deleted a social media post that drew significant criticism for seemingly trivializing the actions of two teenagers involved in an ISIS-linked bombing attempt in New York City.
In their now-removed post, the network characterized the suspects, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, as merely teenagers whose lives took an unexpected turn on what should have been a pleasant day out in the city. Instead, they were accused of throwing improvised explosive devices outside Gracie Mansion, home to Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the incident is regarded as a case of “ISIS-inspired terrorism.”
According to CNN’s deleted post, the two Pennsylvanian teens crossed into New York City on a Saturday morning, intending to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather. However, their day quickly changed as they were arrested for allegedly tossing homemade bombs amidst an anti-Muslim protest outside the mayor’s residence.
The post was ultimately deleted after CNN acknowledged it did not meet their editorial standards.
In their statement, CNN clarified, “A post concerning the two individuals arrested for throwing homemade bombs outside of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home failed to reflect the gravity of the incident thereby breaching the editorial standards we require for all our reporting. It has therefore been deleted.”
The serious nature of the attempted attack was underscored by the circumstances surrounding it. Nearly 100 counter-protesters had gathered outside Gracie Mansion to oppose a small anti-Islam demonstration led by Christian activist Jake Lang.
Balat was accused of throwing a homemade explosive device towards Lang’s group, which authorities noted could have had devastating consequences.
Tisch revealed that the explosive contained triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, a highly unstable material associated with previous ISIS-linked attacks.
Reports indicate that a man shouted “Allahu Akbar” as the device was thrown, illustrating the disturbing context of the event.
The suspects are now facing five federal charges, including terrorism-related offenses.
While CNN and other media outlets, like The New York Times and NPR, labeled the event as an “anti-Islam” protest, the suspects were actually part of the Islamic counter-protest group that instigated the attack.
In a response to the incident, Mayor Mamdani highlighted concerns about white supremacy and Islamophobia.
