Story perspectives

Manhattan President Retracts Blame After Bombing Arrests

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President, faced backlash after wrongly blaming “White Christian Nationalists” for an explosion during protests outside Gracie Mansion.
His statement was retracted after two pro-Muslim demonstrators, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested for throwing a bomb.
Hoylman-Sigal then condemned the bombers as domestic terrorists.
Critics Brad Lander and State Sen. Liz Krueger condemned the violence and raised concerns about anti-Muslim sentiment.

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Story summary

Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President, faced backlash after wrongly blaming “White Christian Nationalists” for an explosion during protests outside Gracie Mansion.
His statement was retracted after two pro-Muslim demonstrators, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested for throwing a bomb.
Hoylman-Sigal then condemned the bombers as domestic terrorists.
Critics Brad Lander and State Sen. Liz Krueger condemned the violence and raised concerns about anti-Muslim sentiment.