NEW YORK — Two suspects on Wednesday pleaded not guilty at a federal allegations that they brought homemade bombs to an anti-Islam protest outside the New York City’s mayor’s home in a failed terror attack inspired by the Islamic State.
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, entered the pleas during a brief appearance in federal court in Manhattan, according to the Associated Press news agency.
The two men face charges that include attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist group and using a weapon of mass destruction.
Prosecutors say Balat and Kayumi,both from Philadelphia, drove to Manhattan in order to attack a anti-Islam demonstration in front of Gracie Mansion on March 7. The protest was hosted by Jake Lang, a far-right activist and critic of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim to hold the office.
Prosecutors say the pair threw two devices containing the explosive TATP and shrapnel, but the jar-sized bombs failed to detonate. No one was injured and the two were quickly detained. The mayor and his wife were not home at the time.
Balat and Kayumi later told police they were inspired by the Islamic State group, according to a federal complaint.
The two were also recorded on their vehicle’s dashcam describing their plan to kill as many as 60 people in a bid to “start terror,” according to prosecutors.
Balat’s lawyer declined to comment after the hearing. Kayumi’s attorneys didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Their next court date is June 16. — Agencies
Source: Saudi Gazette