The two Bucks County teens who lit homemade explosive devices in front of the New York Mayor’s house have begun their court room battles with an eight-count indictment including, Attempted Use of a Weapon of Mass Destruction, Transportation of Explosive Materials and Unlawful possession of Destructive Devices.
Emir Balat, an 18-year-old from Middletown Township and former Neshaminy High School student, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, of Newtown Township and a former student at Bucks Community College had their car seized where officials found detailed notes and instructions on their terror attack plans ahead of March 7.
According to the indictment, within one of the recovered notebooks was an outline of alternate plans that included a vehicle attack on several possible locations in the area such a local parade and festivals.
“The alleged notes and instructions recovered from their vehicle demonstrate just how much cruelty they had planned,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge, James C. Barnacle Jr.
A dashcam audio recording caught the duo describing their vision for the bombing as a target toward the government and civilians.
“All I know is I want to start terror, bro. I want to petrify these people,” Kayumi was heard saying on audio. Balat responded, “Just for safety, as soon as you light it, just do it as soon as possible.”
In the most recent court documents, prosecutors said Balat was recorded telling Kayumi that he had “calculated” the homemade devices were “going to kill about 8 to 16 people.”
With the indictment, the federal government has formally charged the two teenagers in connection with an alleged “ISIS-inspired” terrorist attack on an anti-Muslim rally hosted by Jake Lang, a far-right activist.
Balat and Kayumi drove from Bucks County to Manhattan and parked near Gracie Mansion. At 12:15 p.m. they walked to the site of the protest where Balat ignited then threw their homemade explosive device – which contained the explosive TATP and shrapnel – toward the crown of protesters, according to the indictment.
After throwing the first device, Balat ran down the block and threw a second explosive device that was past to him by Kayumi.
The second ignited device was dropped near several NYPD officers. Balat then attempted to flee the scene by jumping over barricades but was tackled by NYPD officers shortly after.
Kayumi was arrested nearby according to the indictment.
Both are being held without bail on charges that include attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. They were not required to enter a plea.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. Thanked the NYPD in a press conference stated, “What they allegedly set in motion was an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism with the potential for mass casualties. It was stopped because of the quick-thinking, decisive actions of the men and women of the NYPD, who moved toward the threat and took these individuals into custody before more lives were put at risk.”