New York, NY (April 15, 2026)

Two Pennsylvania teenagers accused of throwing homemade explosive devices during a protest outside Gracie Mansion pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court, moving a closely watched terrorism case into its next phase. Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, are charged in connection with a March 7 incident near Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s official residence, where authorities say an anti-Islam demonstration and a counterprotest had drawn a crowd before the situation unraveled.

Prosecutors allege the pair traveled from the Philadelphia area to Manhattan and brought improvised explosive devices containing TATP and shrapnel. According to the indictment, one device was ignited and thrown toward demonstrators, while a second was lit and dropped near police officers before both suspects were arrested nearby. No injuries were reported, but investigators say the materials had the potential to cause mass casualties.

The federal case includes some of the most serious charges available in terrorism prosecutions, including attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction. Authorities say the investigation expanded after the arrests, leading to the recovery of additional evidence that included planning notes, bomb-making material and digital records now under review. Prosecutors told the court they are preparing a large volume of discovery as the case proceeds.

Investigators contend both defendants expressed support for ISIS after the attack and that electronic evidence captured discussions about causing a far greater level of harm. The allegations have pushed the matter into the center of a broader public safety debate in New York, particularly because the devices were allegedly used in a crowded protest setting near the mayor’s residence. Defense lawyers entered not guilty pleas on behalf of both men, and the case is scheduled to return to court on June 16.