Unexplained calls made from NYC terror suspect’s residence following reported ISIS-related scheme

Philadelphia Suburbs React to New York City Terror Suspects’ Arrest

In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, law enforcement received multiple calls from the home of one of the terror suspects following a failed attack in New York City, according to dispatch records. The initial call came at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday from the residence of Ibrahim Kayumi’s parents. There were two more calls—one at 9:19 p.m. and another on Sunday at 8:54 p.m. It’s still unclear what was discussed during these calls.

The news has taken the local community by surprise. Although Kayumi and fellow suspect Emil Barrat lived in neighboring towns, they seemed worlds apart in terms of background and lifestyle.

Federal authorities stated that Barrat, 18, from Langhorne, and Kayumi, 19, from Newtown, drove nearly two hours to New York City and threw live explosives into a protest outside Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s residence. Prosecutors noted that evidence included photos of the duo handling a bomb that was later identified as containing triacetone triperoxide (TATP) with metal nuts and bolts attached.

Surveillance captured them entering New York City just under an hour before the incident, which occurred around 12:15 p.m. on Saturday. Kayumi’s mother reported him missing earlier that day, at 10:30 a.m.

Background on the Suspects

Kayumi’s family immigrated from Afghanistan, gaining U.S. citizenship in 2004 and 2009. His mother, Shaista, works as a manager at a Popeyes franchise. Interestingly, his father, Khayer Kayumi, attempted to buy a Popeyes location in Brooklyn years ago but couldn’t due to substantial tax debts associated with the property.

The Kayumi family’s home in Newtown, listed at over $2.2 million, adds another layer of complexity to this case.

On the other hand, Barrat’s parents hail from Türkiye and became U.S. citizens in 2017. His father had even sued for delays in the citizenship process before finally securing it. Barrat’s community has described him as an ordinary high school student, currently completing his classes remotely.

Violeta Sadauskiene, a neighbor of the Barrat family, expressed disbelief about the events unfolding: “They are really nice people. There was nothing suspicious. We couldn’t believe it. It had to be a mistake.”

Interestingly, Barrat’s attorney has stated that the two suspects did not know each other prior to this incident. “They’re from different parts of Pennsylvania and from different age groups,” he remarked, emphasizing their lack of connection.