Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, both from the Philadelphia area, entered their pleas during a brief court appearance following their arrest over an alleged March 7 incident targeting an anti-Islam demonstration outside Gracie Mansion, according to court filings and statements from federal prosecutors.

Authorities allege the two men traveled from Pennsylvania to New York with the intent to carry out an attack on the protest, which was organized by activist Jake Lang, a critic of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Prosecutors said the defendants deployed two improvised explosive devices containing triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and shrapnel, but the devices failed to detonate.No injuries were reported, and law enforcement officers detained the suspects shortly after the attempted attack.

The mayor and his wife were not present at the residence at the time, officials said.According to a federal complaint, investigators recovered dashcam footage from the suspects’ vehicle in which they allegedly discussed plans to kill as many as 60 people in an effort to “start terror.”

Prosecutors also said the defendants told police they were motivated by the Daesh group.Balat’s legal counsel declined to comment following the hearing, while attorneys representing Kayumi did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case highlights ongoing concerns among U.S. authorities over self-radicalized individuals and the use of easily assembled explosive materials such as TATP, which has been used in several past attacks due to its relative accessibility despite its volatility.

The defendants are scheduled to return to court on June 16.

The incident has intensified tensions between federal agencies, local law enforcement, elected officials, and residents, deepening concerns over accountability and the use of force.

The shooting occurred during an attempt by federal immigration agents to detain Alex Pretti, a US citizen, in a busy area of Minneapolis.

Officials from the federal government stated that the agents acted in self defence after being assaulted, a claim that has since been questioned by video footage recorded by bystanders.

Footage reviewed by independent observers shows Pretti holding a mobile phone rather than a firearm during the confrontation.

The videos appear to capture him attempting to intervene after agents pushed several protesters to the ground, moments before the situation escalated.

In the recordings, Pretti can be seen raising his arm defensively as an agent deploys pepper spray.
Several agents then restrain him, forcing him onto the ground as voices are heard shouting warnings about a possible weapon.

Shortly afterward, one agent appears to step away holding a gun believed to have been removed from Pretti.

Despite this, additional footage shows an officer firing multiple shots into Pretti’s back while he was restrained on the ground.

Federal officials have insisted that the agents involved were under threat and acted according to protocol.

Senior figures repeated that the officers were the victims in the encounter, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from city leaders.

The Minneapolis police chief stated publicly that the videos do not support claims that Pretti brandished a weapon.

He described the federal account as deeply troubling and said there was no evidence presented to local police indicating immediate danger to the agents.

The shooting marks the second fatal incident involving federal officers in Minneapolis this month.

Earlier in January, another US citizen was killed during a separate federal operation, further inflaming public anger and distrust.

Community response has been swift and emotional.

Residents gathered at a makeshift memorial in freezing conditions, leaving flowers and candles while demanding answers and transparency.

Business leaders from major Minnesota based companies released a joint appeal urging calm and cooperation among all levels of government.

While they avoided taking a stance on the shooting itself, they called for immediate de escalation and collaborative solutions.

National political figures also weighed in. Former leaders warned that fundamental values were being eroded and urged an end to what they described as excessive force.

Protests have continued across Minneapolis, though some areas remained calm following the shooting.

Demonstrations have also spread to other major US cities, driven by opposition politicians and civil rights advocates.

Legal action followed rapidly after the incident. A federal judge issued an order preventing the destruction or alteration of evidence, ensuring that all material related to the shooting is preserved.

State and local authorities have demanded access to the investigation. Federal agencies, however, have so far declined to allow local participation, fueling further criticism and suspicion.

As hearings approach, pressure is mounting on federal officials to reconcile their statements with the video evidence now widely viewed by the public.

The case has become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over immigration enforcement, policing authority, and the limits of federal power.