FBI Arrests Two Michigan Men in Alleged Halloween Terrorism Plan

CopilotPerplexityChatGPTDeepSeekGoogleGrokGemini

Federal authorities have charged two Michigan men with terrorism-related offenses after uncovering what they described as an ISIS-inspired plot to attack during Halloween weekend. The suspects were arrested before the plan could be executed, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The men identified as Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud face charges of conspiring to provide material support to terrorism and illegally transferring firearms and ammunition. Both were detained following a months-long investigation led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

According to the federal complaint, Ali and Mahmoud purchased AR-15-style rifles and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition as part of their preparation. The pair allegedly conducted target practice at gun ranges in Michigan and discussed possible targets using encrypted chat applications.

Investigators said the suspects used the code word “pumpkin” to refer to their planned Halloween attack. The FBI intercepted multiple online messages in which the men praised ISIS propaganda and expressed admiration for previous extremist attacks.

Authorities said the arrests took place in Dearborn and Inkster, Michigan, just days before October 31. Both men are being held without bond and are expected to appear in federal court later this week.

In a statement, the FBI’s Detroit Field Office said the plot was disrupted before any lives were endangered. “This case demonstrates the ongoing threat posed by domestic extremists influenced by foreign terrorist ideologies,” the agency said.

U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges could be filed. “Our priority is public safety. Thanks to early intervention, a potential tragedy was prevented,” she said.

Officials have not disclosed specific targets but confirmed that LGBTQ+ venues and public gatherings were among the potential locations discussed.

The case underscores federal law enforcement’s continued vigilance against homegrown extremism and radicalization through online networks.