Profile of a Bombing Suspect
One of the suspects linked to an ISIS-led bombing incident at a protest outside Gracie’s mansion was an 18-year-old entrepreneur known for his tech skills. Emir Barrat, a Pennsylvania resident, was previously recognized for creating sneaker-buying bots and earning money through that venture, as reported by various sources.
Before his arrest on federal charges for hurling a homemade explosive during an anti-Muslim protest outside Mayor Zoran Mandani’s home, Barrat had built a reputation as a savvy business person. According to reports from a local publication, he began programming at just 13, enabling him to buy sought-after sneakers online. After securing these shoes, he would sell them to friends for significant profits.
Interestingly, a Roblox account linked to Barrat indicated he used the platform to develop a sneaker resale business, though there was no evidence of radicalization in his online activities. His digital presence suggested interests in computers, entrepreneurship, Islam, and even learning Spanish.
A Bucks County sneaker shop owner, Gary Pozdnyakov, described Barrat as a typical teen. “He was just a regular kid,” Pozdnyakov, 25, recalled, emphasizing that during their interactions, there were no indications of extremism. He mentioned that he would meet Barrat’s father in a parking lot to trade sneakers.
In the days leading to his arrest, Barrat actively engaged on the Bucks County Exchange Facebook page, advertising various products like extension cords and home improvement items. His account is currently locked, displaying a Quranic verse: “He released the two seas and they met.” It’s still unclear how Barrat became involved in extremist ideologies, especially considering both of his parents are naturalized U.S. citizens originally from Türkiye.
On the day of the protest, Barrat and another suspect, Ibrahim Qayumi, 19, participated in a counter-demonstration against far-right activist Jake Lang’s rally, which aimed to oppose the city’s first Muslim mayor. Evidence shows Barrat was captured on film throwing one of the explosive devices close to police, after being handed another bomb by Qayumi.
Fortunately, two police officers quickly responded and managed to subdue the suspects before the bomb could detonate. Reports suggest the pair had embraced extremist views, effectively self-radicalizing under the influence of ISIS.
Surveillance footage showed Barrat purchasing consumer fireworks fuses shortly before the attempted attack. Details about his relationship with Qayumi prior to these events remain unclear. After his capture, Barrat reportedly expressed a chilling hope that their attack would surpass the fatalities of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which claimed three lives.
