Two men have pleaded not guilty to federal terrorism charges after allegedly attempting to carry out a bomb attack at an anti-Islam protest outside the New York City mayor's official residence, in what prosecutors describe as a failed plot inspired by the Islamic State group.
Not Guilty Pleas Entered in Federal Court
Emir Balat, aged 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, aged 19, both from the Philadelphia area, entered their pleas during a brief appearance in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday. The pair face serious charges including attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction.
Details of the Alleged Plot
According to federal prosecutors, Balat and Kayumi drove from their home state to Manhattan with the intention of attacking an anti-Islam demonstration held on March 7 outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The protest was organized by far-right activist Jake Lang, a vocal critic of Mayor Mamdani, who is the first Muslim to hold the office.
Prosecutors allege that the two men threw two homemade explosive devices containing the volatile compound TATP and shrapnel at the protest site. Fortunately, the jar-sized bombs failed to detonate, resulting in no injuries. The mayor and his wife were not present at the residence during the incident, and the two suspects were quickly detained by authorities.
Islamic State Inspiration and Recorded Plans
A federal complaint reveals that Balat and Kayumi later told police they were motivated by the Islamic State group. Prosecutors further state that the pair were recorded on their vehicle's dashboard camera discussing their plan to kill up to 60 people in an effort to "start terror."
Following the court hearing, Balat's lawyer declined to comment on the case, while Kayumi's attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment via email. The next court date for both defendants is scheduled for June 16.
