Two New Jersey men appeared in federal court in Newark today on terror charges.

Mohamed Hamoud Alessa, 20, and Carlos Almonte, 24, were arrested Saturday at John F. Kennedy Airport as they were about to board separate flights to Egypt. They were allegedly trying to get to Somalia for terror training with the al-Qaida-linked group al-Shabaab.

The men — both United States citizens — are charged with conspiring to kill, maim, and kidnap people outside the U.S. If convicted, they face a maximum of life in prison.

At today’s brief hearing, the men were read their rights, went over the rules of the court and were assigned a defense attorney. Both, who were identically dressed, only spoke to say they understood the charges against them.

Authorities say an undercover New York City Police Department officer recorded Alessa, pictured above on the right, and Almonte, pictured above on the left, talking about attacking American troops during a four-year investigation.

An investigation into the men came after a tip to the FBI.

“At no time was the public in danger. Charges were filed before the bags were packed and a team was waiting before they arrived,” said U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman of the New Jersey district.

FBI agents and police raided the New Jersey homes of both men Saturday. Almonte lived in Elmwood Park and Alessa in North Bergen.

“It’s very unsettling. It brings back all the memories that I thought I was getting over,” said a Bergen County resident. “It’s very hard to understand how a 20 year old who grew up in this country could do this to us.”

Alessa was allegedly recorded telling Almonte that he would outdo Major Nidal Hasan, the Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 people at Fort Hood last year.

Authorities say they have a recording of Alessa saying he wanted to kill Americans and behead them on camera.

According to the complaint, the two allegedly talked about saving for the attack, using paintball as a training tool and buying plane tickets.

But, outside the courthouse today, supporters of the suspects say they’re being setup.

“Their plan would never go into effect, nor would it have been able to be realized. I think the government knows that, the FBI knows that, the federal government knows that, but cases like this suit their political agenda,” said activist Younus Muhammed.

Alessa’s father tried to cover his face as he left court – only saying that someone hit his son. The 20 year old does have a gash over his right eye.

Prosecutors say both men resisted arrest, but wouldn’t elaborate on the cut.

They say the arrests needed to be made even though their plan might not have worked, because the two tried to join a terror group when they travelled to Jordan a few years ago.

“I think we would be remiss if we didn’t pay attention to everyone with the intention these men are alleged to have done, which is seek to join a violent jihad and commit acts of violence against people here or abroad,” said Fishman.

Almonte’s family was not at the courthouse. Alessa briefly acknowledged his parents, holding up a finger as if implying everything is okay.

There will be a hearing Thursday to determine whether or not they should be released until the pretrial hearing later this month.

(Source: NY1)