Two teenagers accused of throwing homemade explosives outside New York City’s mayoral residence have pleaded not guilty to federal terrorism charges, as prosecutors allege the attack was inspired by ISIS propaganda.
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, entered their pleas during a court appearance on Wednesday, facing a sweeping indictment that includes conspiracy to support a foreign terrorist organisation and the use of a weapon of mass destruction.
CBS reports that the charges stem from a dramatic incident outside Gracie Mansion — the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani — during protests in March that quickly spiralled into chaos.
Prosecutors allege the pair travelled from Pennsylvania to New York and brought improvised explosive devices to the protest site, where opposing groups had gathered. Authorities say tensions escalated after pepper spray was deployed, before one of the accused allegedly lit and hurled a device into a crowd.
Balat is accused of throwing the first explosive before fleeing, then taking a second device from Kayumi and dropping it near police officers. A third suspicious device was discovered in a nearby vehicle the following day.
Investigators later confirmed that at least one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile homemade explosive often associated with terror plots.
According to law enforcement, both suspects admitted their actions were influenced by ISIS. Officials allege Kayumi had consumed extremist propaganda, while Balat is said to have pledged allegiance to the group in writing while in custody.
Court proceedings revealed the scale of the investigation, with prosecutors describing “voluminous” evidence including law enforcement reports, physical materials and more than a dozen electronic devices now under forensic review.
The case is being led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which launched a full investigation following the incident.
The teens appeared in court wearing prison attire, with members of Kayumi’s family present — one visibly emotional during proceedings. Neither defence team offered comment after the hearing.
If convicted, the most serious charge — use of a weapon of mass destruction — carries a potential life sentence.
The case will return to court on June 16.
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