The two Lower Bucks County men charged with federal terrorism-related offenses have had their first court appearance since they were indicted earlier this month.
Emir Balat, 18, of Middletown Township, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, of Newtown Township, both pleaded not guilty last Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick in New York City, according to a court docket.
Balat, a Neshaminy High School student, and Kayumi, a recent Council Rock High School North graduate, remain in federal custody.
NBC News reported attorneys for the men did not comment after the pleas were entered.
According to court records, the next court appearance for the men is scheduled for June 16.
The men were indicted on charges of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, provision and attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, carrying of explosive materials during the commission of a federal felony, transportation of explosive materials, interstate transportation and receipt of explosives, and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
If convicted on the most serious charges, Balat and Kayumi face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
On March 7, during clashing protests near the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the duo allegedly attempted to carry out a mass-casualty attack using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
According to the indictment, Balat threw one IED toward a crowd, which failed to detonate, and then dropped a second device near a group of NYPD officers before being tackled and arrested. Kayumi was apprehended nearby shortly after.
The IEDs were filled with shrapnel and TATP, a highly volatile explosive known as “Mother of Satan.”
While being transported to an NYPD precinct, Balat allegedly shouted that his religion “takes action” when people speak ill of the prophet.
Kayumi, according to federal authorities, responded “ISIS” when a bystander at the scene of the arrest asked who he was working for. He later told investigators he had been “partly inspired” by the terrorist organization after consuming radical propaganda online.
In the indictment, authorities said a dash camera the mens’ vehicle recorded the pair discussing their desire to “start terror” and “petrify” people.
Balat was heard coaching Kayumi on the attack and predicting a death toll of up to 60 people.
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After the failed attack, FBI teams raided the homes of the mens’ families in Middletown Township and Newtown Township. No family members of the men have been accused of wrongdoing.
A search of a Middletown Township storage unit uncovered TATP residue and bomb-making materials. The discovery required controlled detonations by the FBI that were felt miles away.
Investigators said they found a notebook detailing chemical formulas and an alternate plan for a vehicle-ramming attack.
Past reporting on the failed attack:
• Indictment For Lower Bucks County Men Gives New Details On ISIS-Inspired Plot
• Officers Reflect On Stopping Bucks County Men During Attempted Terror Attack
• Vehicle Of Terrorism Defendant Located In Wrightstown & Cleared By Bomb Squad
• Man Accused In Terror Plot Bought Supplies At Local Fireworks Store
• FBI Finds ‘Explosive Residue’ In Middletown During Terrorism Probe
• FBI Executes Second Day Of Searches In Terrorism Probe
• 2 Local Men Charged With Attempting Terrorist Attack
• Council Rock Says No Threat After FBI Raids
• Superintendent: No Threat To Neshaminy After Student’s Arrest In NYC
• As Part Of Investigation, FBI Raids Homes In Middletown & Newtown
