Algerian-born Ahmed Ferhani (L), and Moroccan-born Mohammed Mamdouh stand before a judge during their arraignment in Manhattan criminal court in New York May 12, 2011.
Algerian-born Ahmed Ferhani (L), and Moroccan-born Mohammed Mamdouh stand before a judge during their arraignment in Manhattan criminal court in New York May 12, 2011. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Two men suspected of plotting to blow up synagogues and other buildings in New York City pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

According to prosecutors, Ahmed Ferhani, 26, and Mohamed Mamdouh, 20, planned on dressing as Jewish worshippers and targeting synagogues and churches. The two men, who were indicted on weapons and terrorism charges in state Supreme Court, met with an undercover detective on more than one occasion. During those meetings, they openly talked about killing Jews.

Their desire to commit violent jihad against Jewish Americans is not only an act of terrorism, but also a hate crime, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said in a statement.

Ferhani and Mamdouh were arrested on May 10. Police believe these two men were the only people involved in the plot.

Court New York Supreme court New York