2 Bucks Co. Teens Enter Pleas In NYC Terror Plot

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The two teenagers indicted in a New York City terror plot who were recorded saying they planned on "killing as many people as possible" have entered pleas in the case.

Emir Balat, 18, of Middletown Township, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, of Newtown Township, made a brief appearance last Wednesday for their arraignment in federal court in Manhattan, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York said.

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They pleaded not guilty to the charges outlined in an eight-count indictment that was brought against them earlier this month.

The teens appeared before U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick wearing tan prison garb and pleaded not guilty to the charges, while federal prosecutor Jane Chong said three more weeks are needed to scour through “more than a dozen” electronic devices, the New York Post reported.

The two teenagers are accused in an alleged "ISIS-inspired" terrorist attack outside the residence of the New York City mayor on March 7 of lighting homemade bombs in the teror plot — in which they recorded their conversation —with plans to kill "as many as people as possible."

Balat, a Neshaminy High School senior, was recorded on dashcam video shortly before he allegedly unsuccessfully attempted to detonate two explosive devices, discussing with Kayumi that they'd be engaging in "martyrdom," and Balat described leaving behind a note, the indictment states.

“These individuals allegedly prepared explosive devices and attempted to detonate them on the streets of New York in the name of ISIS, but their plan failed thanks to the brave police officers who acted quickly,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in the indictment earlier this month.

Balat and Kayumi drove from Bucks County to Manhattan and parked near Gracie Mansion. They then walked to the site of the protest and counter-protest, and at 12:15 p.m., Balat ignited and threw an improvised explosive device toward the area where the protesters were gathered, the indictment states.

Immediately after throwing one device, Balat ran to another location down the block, where Kayumi passed Balat a second improvised explosive device.

Balat ignited and dropped that device on the ground near several NYPD officers and then ran from the scene, jumping over a barricade in the process. NYPD officers tackled and arrested Balat shortly thereafter, and Kayumi was arrested nearby, the indictment states.

When law enforcement officers asked Balat if he was familiar with the Boston Marathon bombing, the indictment states, and if that was what Balat had hoped to accomplish, Balat responded: “No, even bigger. It was only three deaths.”