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US charges two men in alleged ISIS-linked Halloween terror plot in Michigan
Federal prosecutors have charged two men with conspiring to carry out a mass shooting in a Detroit suburb over Halloween weekend, alleging ties to the Islamic State group. Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud were arrested after authorities uncovered a plot involving semi-automatic rifles, tactical gear, and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, according to a 73-page charging document filed by the Department of Justice.
Scouting and preparations
The suspects reportedly scouted Ferndale, a Detroit suburb known for its bars and restaurants, many of which cater to the LGBTQ+ community. Court documents reveal that the men trained at a gun range and acquired AR-15 rifles, GoPro cameras, and tactical vests. A third, unnamed juvenile is also implicated in the alleged conspiracy.
Federal agents executed raids on properties linked to Ali and Mahmoud, seizing weapons, ammunition, and other equipment. The investigation, which began last year, involved monitoring encrypted communications and social media activity tied to the suspects. An FBI informant participated in group calls with the defendants.
Halloween attack plans
Prosecutors claim the suspects used coded language, referring to Halloween as "pumpkin," to discuss the timing of their planned attack. Messages shared in court filings show the group exchanging phrases like "We're gonna do it" and "I gotta do pumpkin for real." Authorities allege the men understood the operation could result in their deaths, framing it as an act of martyrdom.
Legal proceedings and responses
Ali and Mahmoud are scheduled to appear in a Detroit court on Monday. They face charges of handling firearms and ammunition with intent to commit a federal terrorism offense. US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the case as "a major ISIS-linked terror plot," emphasizing the severity of the alleged threat.
Amir Makled, an attorney representing Ali, dismissed the allegations over the weekend. "There's nothing that he ever planned or wanted to do, or impose any harm on any member of the community at any point," Makled told CBS, the BBC's US partner.
Broader investigation
The Department of Justice's filing indicates that five individuals were mentioned in court documents, though only Ali and Mahmoud have been publicly named. The investigation relied on court-authorized surveillance of phones, encrypted chats, and social media, alongside testimony from the FBI informant.
"According to the complaint, subjects had multiple AR-15 rifles, tactical gear, and a detailed plan to carry out an attack on American soil."
US Attorney General Pam Bondi
