Two Men Arraigned on Federal Terrorism Charges After Throwing Homemade Bombs Outside Gracie Mansion

Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, appeared in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday for their arraignment on federal terrorism charges. The men are accused of throwing homemade bombs outside Gracie Mansion, the mayor's residence, during a protest on March 7. The devices failed to detonate.

The two men were part of a pro-Muslim counter-protest group that aimed to disrupt a right-wing demonstration. Police chased and arrested them after the incident. US District Judge Vernon Broderick.

Court Proceedings Both men pleaded not guilty during the hearing.

Federal prosecutor Jane Chong stated that authorities need three more weeks to examine more than a dozen electronic devices seized from the men. The devices include phones and laptops. The federal indictment alleges that the men discussed plans to injure as many as 60 civilians at the demonstration, which was organized by Jake Lang.

It also states that they talked about a second attack involving driving a vehicle into crowded events such as festivals, parades, protests, and celebrations. The men admitted to being inspired by ISIS propaganda and expressed intent to cause more casualties than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people.

Background and Arrest The men come from families in Pennsylvania.

The incident occurred near police and protesters outside the mayor's residence. NYPD Assistant Chief Aaron Edwards pursued the suspects, including hurdling a barricade to apprehend them. Authorities transferred the men to federal custody on terrorism charges, leading to the arraignment.

The case involves an ongoing investigation into the electronic devices and the men's communications.