Two Dearborn Men Charged in Alleged ISIS-Inspired Halloween Terror Plot

Federal authorities have charged two Michigan men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both 20 years old and residents of Dearborn, with terrorism-related offenses. The charges stem from an alleged plot to carry out an ISIS-inspired attack targeting LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale over Halloween weekend.

According to a 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, the men, along with co-conspirators, were inspired by Islamic State extremism. Investigators allege that a minor was also involved in the discussions. The group reportedly referred to "pumpkins" in their conversations, believed to be a code word for the planned Halloween attack.

The complaint details that Ali and Mahmoud had scouted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb, and had acquired high-powered weapons, including AR-15-style rifles. They practiced at gun ranges and conducted reconnaissance of potential targets. FBI agents had been surveilling the men for weeks, utilizing methods such as a camera on a pole outside a Dearborn residence and accessing encrypted chats and social media.

During searches conducted at a home in Dearborn and a storage unit in Inkster, agents recovered multiple firearms, including three AR-15-style rifles, two shotguns, four handguns, and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition. Additional items seized included optical sights, tactical vests, and other related firearms parts and accessories.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrests on Friday, stating that the agency had thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects in Michigan who were allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on the situation, saying, "Our American heroes prevented a terror attack."

Defense attorney Amir Makled, representing one of the suspects, disputed the allegations, describing them as "hysteria" and "fearmongering." He suggested that the discussions may have been related to online gaming activities rather than an actual plot.

Ali and Mahmoud are scheduled to appear in court for their initial appearance on Monday afternoon. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have stated that there is no further threat to public safety.