Two Arrested After Alleged Bomb Plot Near New York Mayor’s Residence

 

Two young men have been charged with terrorism-related offences after authorities said they attempted to set off explosive devices during a protest outside the residence of Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York City.

Police identified the suspects as Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19. Investigators allege the pair tried to ignite homemade explosive devices near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor, during a protest over the weekend.

Officials said the devices failed to detonate properly, preventing what could have been a potentially deadly attack.

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Explosives Discovered at the Scene

Authorities said two explosive devices were thrown during the incident but did not explode. A third device was later discovered in a vehicle believed to be connected to the suspects.

According to investigators, the devices were improvised explosive devices (IEDs) made from glass containers filled with explosive material and surrounded by metal fragments designed to increase damage.

Police said such devices can cause serious harm if detonated in crowded areas.

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Suspects Allegedly Linked to Extremist Propaganda

During a news briefing, Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the New York City Police Department, said the suspects had allegedly expressed support for Islamic State and admitted being influenced by extremist propaganda online.

Authorities said the suspects had watched materials associated with the militant group prior to the attempted attack.

Police also noted that both individuals had no known criminal history before the incident.

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Attack Could Have Led to Serious Casualties

Investigators said one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide, a volatile homemade explosive that has been used in previous terror incidents.

Officials warned that if the devices had exploded as intended, they could have caused significant casualties.

Law enforcement authorities said the fact that the explosives malfunctioned likely prevented injuries or deaths.

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Protest Scene Turns Tense

The attempted bombing occurred during an anti-Islam protest outside the mayor’s residence. The event was reportedly organized by Jake Lang, a far-right activist previously associated with the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

Police said the protest was met by a larger counter-demonstration, resulting in heated exchanges between the two groups.

Footage from the scene reportedly showed one of the suspects lighting an explosive device before being quickly detained by officers.

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Mayor Condemns Violence

Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the incident, stressing that violence and the use of explosives have no place in public demonstrations.

He said the attempt to harm people during a protest was unacceptable and threatened public safety.

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Federal Authorities Join Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that the suspicious devices recovered were improvised explosive devices.

Agents from the Joint Terrorism Task Force are assisting local authorities in the investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence to determine the full scope of the alleged plot.

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Additional Arrest During Protest

Police also arrested Ian McGuiness, 21, who allegedly used pepper spray during confrontations between protesters and counter-protesters.

He and three others were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction.

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Security Measures Remain High

Authorities said security remains heightened across New York City as investigations continue.

Officials praised officers who intervened quickly during the incident, noting that their actions likely prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating further.

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 3/10/2026 03:06:00 AM

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State of the Union address: Trump’s Policy Blueprint: Economy, Security and Global Warning

 

In a wide-ranging State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump laid out his administration’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, combining economic pledges with tough rhetoric on crime, elections and Iran.

Framing his first year back in office as a period of national resurgence, Trump highlighted tax relief, tariff protections and healthcare reforms while urging Congress to advance stricter voting laws and law-and-order measures.

He also delivered a pointed warning to Tehran over its nuclear ambitions, signalling that while diplomacy remains his preferred path, the United States would not hesitate to act if necessary.

Economic Revival & Tax Cuts

Trump touted economic growth, claiming job gains, lower inflation and historic tax cuts as key achievements. He highlighted plans for new tax relief measures and federal investment accounts for children.

Tariff Strategy

He defended his tariff policies despite a recent Supreme Court setback and announced a revised global tariff plan to protect U.S. industries.

Healthcare Cost Cuts

Trump promoted his “Great Healthcare Plan,” focusing on lowering drug prices, insurance costs, and increasing price transparency.

War on Fraud

He announced a “War on Fraud” initiative targeting welfare and tax fraud, led by Vice-President JD Vance, claiming it could help balance the federal budget.

Voter ID & Election Laws

Trump urged Congress to pass the Save America Act, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration to curb alleged election fraud.

Crime & Law Enforcement

He called for tougher crime laws, blaming lax policies for repeat offenders and urging action against violence in major cities.

Iran Nuclear Ultimatum

Trump gave Iran a clear ultimatum: halt its nuclear weapons efforts or face serious consequences, hinting at possible military action if diplomacy fails.

Honouring Service & National Pride

The president honoured National Guard members wounded or killed in the line of duty and announced a Presidential Medal of Freedom for the US Olympic hockey goaltender.

📊 State of the Union 2026 – Key Takeaways

Theme	Infographic Headline	Summary Insight
Immigration	Border Clash Politics	Trump framed immigration as a defining 2026 election issue, challenging Democrats to publicly support stricter border protection and accusing them of enabling illegal crossings.
Tariffs	Tariff Gamble	Despite a recent Supreme Court setback, he insisted tariffs remain central to his economic strategy and said congressional approval is unnecessary, predicting they could eventually offset income taxes.
Iran	Nuclear Red Line	Trump warned Iran against rebuilding its nuclear programme, stating he prefers diplomacy but would never allow Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons — keeping military options on the table.
Elections	Fraud Warning	He renewed claims of election vulnerabilities, pushed for strict voter ID legislation, and accused Democrats of benefiting from weak safeguards — raising concerns about 2026 election tensions.
Economic Claims	Golden Age Narrative	The president described the economy as thriving, citing lower inflation and job growth, though critics argue several of his statistics overstated current performance.
Democratic Protests	Chamber Tensions	The speech saw visible partisan division, including protests from Democratic lawmakers and the removal of Rep. Al Green from the chamber.

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https://thereporter24.com/news/trump-touts-economic-revival-issues-stark-warning-to-iran-in-lengthy-state-of-the-union

Border Clash Politics

Immigration was highlighted as a key political issue as the president challenged opposition positions on border security.

Tariff Strategy

The administration defended tariff policies despite legal challenges, suggesting import duties could support long-term economic restructuring.

Iran Nuclear Warning

The president warned Iran against rebuilding nuclear weapons capability while stating diplomacy remains the preferred option.

Election Security

Strict voter ID laws were promoted, with claims that stronger safeguards are needed to protect election integrity.

Economic Outlook

The speech described the economy as entering a strong growth phase, though some statistics were disputed by critics.

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 2/25/2026 10:52:00 AM

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Security Breach at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago: Armed Suspect Killed by Secret Service

 

An armed man was shot and killed by U.S. law enforcement after breaching the secured grounds of Mar‑a‑Lago, the high-security Florida estate associated with Donald Trump, authorities confirmed.

Security Forces Intercept Suspect Inside Restricted Zone

Around 01:30 local time, federal agents with the United States Secret Service and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office confronted a man who had passed into the inner perimeter of the property through a gate along the oceanfront. Law enforcement officials reported the individual was carrying a shotgun and a fuel container when approached.

According to preliminary statements, officers ordered the man to drop the items. He allegedly raised the shotgun into a firing position, prompting agents to open fire. The suspect was killed at the scene. No officers were injured.

What Mar-a-Lago Is and Why It’s Protected

Mar-a-Lago is a historic Spanish-style estate in Palm Beach, Florida, that serves as a private club and has played host to political meetings, diplomatic events, and high-profile social gatherings over the years. The estate is maintained under tight security and continues to be protected by federal law enforcement due to its political prominence and frequent use as a venue for official and public figures.

Identity of the Intruder

Multiple media outlets, citing law enforcement sources, identified the man as 21-year-old Austin T. Martin of Cameron, North Carolina. Martin’s family had reportedly filed a missing person report shortly before the incident.

Authorities are also investigating whether the suspect purchased the firearm during his travel from North Carolina to Florida.

Unclear Motive Behind the Attempted Breach

The reasons the man attempted to enter the secured property remain under investigation. The presence of both a shotgun and a fuel canister raised suspicions among officials, but no confirmed motive has emerged. Investigators continue to collect evidence and review surveillance footage from the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has dedicated resources to the investigation and is coordinating with the Secret Service and local authorities. Officials have not yet confirmed how many shots were fired or whether the weapon was loaded.

Nearby residents have been asked to check their security cameras for any footage that might assist the inquiry. Authorities said they will release further details as they become available.

Security Context and Public Reaction

The shooting underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting high-profile properties, even when those associated with them are not present. Federal and local officials emphasized that security protocols function constantly, deterring and responding to unexpected threats.

Read more:
https://thereporter24.com/news/armed-intruder-shot-dead-after-breaching-security-perimeter-of-trump-s-mar-a-lago-estate

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 2/23/2026 12:15:00 AM

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Retroactive or Not? Legal Storm Builds Over Trump’s 10% Global Tariff

By Munshi Firoz Al Mamun

As Donald Trump activates a 10% global tariff under Trade Act of 1974 Section 122, a new legal confrontation is emerging: can the tariff be applied to imports that entered the United States before the executive order took effect?

The question has gained urgency after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). With billions previously collected under that framework, businesses are now seeking clarity on whether the administration could use the new tariff to compensate for—or effectively replace—those invalidated duties.

Q: Is Trump’s new 10% global tariff related to IT services and outsourcing that US businesses import from other countries?

A: No. The 10% tariff imposed under the Trade Act of 1974 applies to physical goods entering the United States, not to cross-border services. IT outsourcing, software development, BPO, digital marketing, cloud services, and other remote professional services are classified as service imports, which are not subject to customs tariffs. However, broader trade tensions can still create indirect economic effects such as currency shifts or regulatory changes.

A Longstanding Legal Barrier

American jurisprudence generally disfavors retroactive lawmaking. Courts operate under a strong presumption that statutes and executive actions apply prospectively unless Congress unmistakably provides otherwise.

While the U.S. Constitution does not categorically ban retroactive economic laws, it embeds clear safeguards. 

Article I prohibits ex post facto laws—primarily in criminal contexts—but the principle reflects a broader constitutional commitment to fairness and predictability. 

In economic regulation, the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause has frequently been invoked to challenge retroactive financial burdens that disrupt settled commercial expectations.

Trade law follows this tradition. Courts have consistently required explicit congressional language before allowing duties or taxes to apply retroactively. 

Section 122 contains no such authorization. Instead, it grants the president limited authority to impose tariffs of up to 15% for a 150-day period to address balance-of-payments concerns—suggesting temporary, forward-looking measures rather than backward adjustments.

Timing Is Central

Unlike IEEPA-based tariffs, Section 122 rests on a clearly defined trade statute. However, executive proclamations typically take effect on the date specified within them. 

Customs authorities assess duties according to the tariff schedule in place at the time goods enter the country.

Applying a new tariff to goods already processed through customs would likely spark immediate legal objections. 

Importers could argue violations of due process, unlawful taxation without clear congressional mandate, and breaches of procedural protections under administrative law.

Legal analysts note that retroactive economic regulation faces especially intense judicial scrutiny when it imposes unexpected financial obligations on businesses that relied on existing rules.

Refunds and Replacement: Separate Questions

The newly imposed 10% tariff does not automatically offset or nullify duties collected under the now-invalidated IEEPA framework. 

Claims for reimbursement are expected to proceed separately, most likely before the United States Court of International Trade, which handles customs and trade disputes.

That distinction is crucial. Even if the new tariff stands, it does not retroactively legitimize or absorb past collections unless a court explicitly permits such a mechanism.

Economic and Political Stakes

For businesses operating across global supply chains, predictability in customs enforcement is critical. Retroactive tariffs could unsettle contracts, pricing strategies, and financial forecasts. Investors are monitoring developments closely, aware that prolonged litigation could generate further volatility.

If the administration attempted to extend the 10% tariff backward in time, legal challenges would likely be swift and forceful. 

Injunction requests could quickly reach federal courts, potentially setting the stage for another high-profile constitutional dispute over executive trade authority.

The Bottom Line

President Trump retains statutory power under Section 122 to impose temporary tariffs. But constitutional safeguards, established judicial doctrine, and the statute’s silence on retroactivity strongly indicate that the 10% global tariff applies from its effective date forward—not to imports already cleared under previous rules.

As refund litigation unfolds and businesses weigh their options, the broader battle over executive trade power appears far from resolved.

🔗 Read more: 
https://thereporter24.com/news/legal-battles-ahead-challenges-loom-over-trump-s-new-10-global-tariff
https://thereporter24.com/news/trump-moves-to-bypass-supreme-court-ruling-with-fresh-10-global-tariff
https://thereporter24.com/news/us-supreme-court-blocks-trump-s-liberation-day-tariffs-a-constitutional-rebuke-with-global-ripples

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 2/21/2026 08:51:00 AM

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Trump Unveils New 10% Tariff After Supreme Court Blocks Emergency Trade Powers

By M Firoz Al Mamun | February 20, 2026

Just days after the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs,  President Donald Trump announced a new 10% global tariff on imports—this time relying on a different statutory authority in an effort to preserve his protectionist trade strategy.

The court ruled that Trump exceeded presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), concluding that emergency powers could not be used to impose broad, long-term import taxes. 

Rather than retreat from his trade agenda, Trump responded by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits temporary tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days without immediate congressional approval.

A Rapid Policy Pivot

Speaking at the White House, Trump criticized the ruling but framed the new tariff as legally sound. The 10% global levy took effect immediately following the executive order.

Section 122 provides limited-duration authority designed to address balance-of-payments concerns. Administration officials argue that this framework places the tariff within clear statutory boundaries, distinguishing it from the emergency powers previously rejected by the court.

Tariffs imposed under Section 232 (national security) and Section 301 (unfair trade practices) remain unaffected and continue alongside the new measure.

Refund Questions and Legal Battles

The Supreme Court’s ruling did not clarify whether importers are entitled to recover duties paid under the now-invalidated IEEPA tariffs. 

Businesses have collectively paid more than $130 billion since those measures were introduced, and refund claims could lead to prolonged litigation in trade courts.

Legal experts anticipate a wave of administrative and judicial challenges, particularly concerning the process and scope of the earlier tariffs. 

While electronic filing systems may streamline claims, smaller firms could face financial and procedural hurdles in pursuing reimbursement.

Business Community Reacts

Many small and mid-sized importers welcomed the court’s decision as a signal that abrupt tariff shifts may face constitutional limits. However, uncertainty persists.

Some analysts suggest the new framework offers at least a measure of predictability. Unlike the emergency-based tariffs, Section 122 actions involve defined time limits and procedural steps, giving businesses clearer timelines for planning shipments and managing supply chains.

Still, the 10% tariff represents a continuing cost burden for import-dependent sectors, with potential downstream effects on pricing and consumer spending.

Political and Trade Implications

The ruling and subsequent policy shift have sharpened divisions within Republican ranks, particularly between lawmakers favoring economic nationalism and those representing export-driven states concerned about retaliation.

Vice-President JD Vance criticized the court’s decision, arguing it restricts executive flexibility in responding to trade imbalances. Meanwhile, some members of Congress are calling for clearer statutory guidance on presidential trade authority to prevent future disputes.

The Road Ahead

The administration’s swift pivot underscores Trump’s commitment to tariffs as a central economic instrument. Yet the legal landscape remains unsettled. Courts are expected to address refund claims, while Congress may confront renewed debate over the limits of executive power in trade policy.

For businesses and global markets, the immediate result is a shift from one tariff regime to another—less vulnerable to constitutional challenge, but still disruptive. As litigation unfolds and the 150-day clock under Section 122 begins ticking, the next chapter in the tariff saga is already taking shape.

➡️ Read more:
https://thereporter24.com/news/retroactivity-debate-can-trump-s-new-10-tariff-apply-to-the-past
https://thereporter24.com/news/us-supreme-court-blocks-trump-s-liberation-day-tariffs-a-constitutional-rebuke-with-global-ripples
https://thereporter24.com/news/legal-battles-ahead-challenges-loom-over-trump-s-new-10-global-tariff

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 2/21/2026 04:13:00 AM

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US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs, Reasserting Congressional Authority

 

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, ruling that he exceeded his executive authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). 

The Court emphasized that the Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the sole power to levy taxes, including tariffs.

Constitutional Boundaries Reaffirmed

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the 6–3 majority, stated that the emergency powers statute could not justify broad and indefinite trade measures. “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch,” the ruling declared, marking a rare judicial check on unilateral presidential economic action.

The dissenting justices—Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas—argued that the tariffs were legally permissible, even if politically debatable.

Economic and Market Impact

The tariffs, first announced in April 2025, had imposed duties ranging from 10% to 50% on nearly all imported goods, affecting a broad spectrum of industries. 

Wall Street reacted positively to the ruling, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 207 points and the S&P 500 gaining 33 points immediately following the announcement. 

Analysts noted that the decision provides some clarity for businesses, but questions remain over refunds for tariffs already paid.

Global and Domestic Consequences

US trading partners, including the European Union, welcomed the ruling as a stabilizing move for global trade. At the same time, domestic exporters and importers face a transitional period, deciding whether to reverse prior business adjustments or maintain the status quo.

Farm-state Republicans and industries previously affected by retaliatory tariffs may benefit most, while protectionist sectors that relied on Trump’s tariff shields may see new challenges.

A Check on Executive Power

Legal experts say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in enforcing constitutional limits. By reasserting Congress’s authority over taxation, the Court has signaled that emergency powers cannot be stretched into permanent tools for unilateral economic policy.

While Trump can still explore alternative legal pathways to impose tariffs, any such moves will likely require more oversight, congressional involvement, or lengthy investigations. 

This ruling represents not only a setback for Trump’s trade strategy but also a defining moment for the separation of powers in US economic governance.

🔗 Read more: https://thereporter24.com/news/us-supreme-court-blocks-trump-s-liberation-day-tariffs-a-constitutional-rebuke-with-global-ripples

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 2/20/2026 10:48:00 PM

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Global Cooperation in Flux: Key Economic Insights from Davos 2026

Feb 8, 2026: The 56th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, convened amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, highlighting how global cooperation is evolving in today’s fragmented world.

Over 60 heads of state, business leaders, and policymakers gathered to explore new models of collaboration and resilient economic strategies. Leaders acknowledged that traditional multilateralism is under pressure. Tariffs, export controls, and sanctions have increasingly become tools of statecraft, challenging the stability of long-standing international institutions.

Yet, despite these strains, trade flows and cross-border investments remain significant, signaling that global interdependence has not disappeared.

Several speakers emphasized innovative approaches to cooperation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the current moment as a “rupture, not a transition,” noting that nations and businesses must adapt to shifting rules while maintaining functional collaboration.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb promoted “value-based realism,” a framework that balances shared norms with strategic self-interest.

Other leaders suggested “minilateralism” or flexible, purpose-driven coalitions to address specific challenges more efficiently than large, traditional institutions.

Vice-Premier He Lifeng of China called for safeguarding multilateralism and making the international trade system more equitable, warning that current frameworks face their most serious challenges in years.

Meanwhile, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted that bilateral trade agreements have surged by over 50% in the past decade, with initiatives like the Minerals Security Partnership improving coordination on critical mineral supply chains.

Technology, data sovereignty, and AI emerged as central themes. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde stressed that fragmentation in global standards and licensing could slow AI development and productivity gains.

Leaders also underscored the importance of climate finance, energy transition, and resilient supply chains as essential components of future economic stability.

Experts warned that while ad hoc coalitions can deliver swift results, they may also lack transparency, inclusivity, and longevity.

Firms are increasingly expected to internalize geopolitical risks, and governments are relying more on private actors to execute strategic goals, from undersea cables to advanced data infrastructures.

The discussions at Davos 2026 paint a clear picture: global cooperation is no longer frictionless, but adaptable and strategic alliances can still drive economic resilience.

For investors and policymakers, the message is clear—diversification, innovation, and flexibility are key to navigating an increasingly complex and contested global economy. Read the full analysis here:

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 2/08/2026 10:52:00 AM

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