FBI raids two Bucks homes, holding suspects linked to NYC protest – Bucks Round-Up – March 9, 2026
FBI raids two Bucks homes, holding suspects linked to NYC protest
A twilight raid by armed FBI agents and armored vehicles shocked two quiet neighborhoods in Newtown and Middletown townships on Sunday. Residents Emir Balat, 18, of Tina Drive in Middletown and Ibrahim Kayumi ,19, of Clymer Street in Newtown were not formally charged as of Sunday night but already were in the custody of the FBI. It was reported the men were involved in the dual pro-Muslim and anti-Muslim protests in front of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s (D) home, Saturday. One is alleged to have tossed an incendiary device that failed to explode. Two devices were involved and confiscated by NYPD officers. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Balat is suspected of igniting the device and throwing it toward a group of protestors on the crowded street. The device or devices are being analyzed by the FBI. Three people, possibly family members, from Balat’s home and two from Kayumi’s home were taken from the homes and are being held by federal agents. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York are investigating potential ties to international terrorism.
Man’s body found on CB West campus identified
The Bucks County’s Coroner’s office released the name of a homeless man whose body was found on the campus of Central Bucks West High School on Wednesday: Shawn Kirby, 34, possibly from Philadelphia. An autopsy was performed, but the cause of death is pending further investigation and a toxicology report. A school security guard found Kirby in a portable toilet on the athletic field.
Supervisors don’t want car wash in historic Lower Makefield village
Edgewood Village in Lower Makefield, which originated circa 1683, is getting a carwash? Not if the Lower Makefield supervisors have anything to say about it. Besides, Edgewood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the supervisors are trying to keep its history intact. They’ve asked the township solicitor to oppose the plan to construct a car wash when it comes before township zoning officials on March 17. Flagship Pennsylvania OPCO LLC proposes building the facility at 1675 Langhorne-Yardley Road, between Edgewood and Heacock roads, a designated historic district. The area was settled by Quakers shortly after the arrival of William Penn and was an agricultural hub for the developing county.
Pat Wandling is a veteran journalist, formerly of the Bucks County Courier, and was a mainstay on WBCB for over 20 years.
