The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Wednesday that a former member of the Michigan Army National Guard has been arrested for allegedly planning an attack on U.S. military sites in support of ISIS, specifically the Islamic State in Al-Sham.
Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed, aged 19, faces serious charges, including attempting to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations and disseminating information related to destructive devices. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each charge.
Reports indicate that he had intentions of orchestrating a mass shooting at the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) facility located in Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Michigan, which was planned for Tuesday.
“The defendant is charged with plotting a lethal attack on a U.S. military base aligned with ISIS,” said Sue J. Bye, the DOJ’s National Security Director. “Thanks to the relentless work of law enforcement, we were able to prevent this attack and protect lives.”
Authorities have also uncovered a video that purportedly expresses loyalty to ISIS.
As part of the investigation, the former security guard allegedly provided two undercover agents with ammunition and specific details about targeting facilities in the Detroit area. Additionally, he is accused of employing drones to scout the site and instructing undercover officers on how to create Molotov cocktails for the planned assault.
The DOJ reported that he was apprehended after operating a drone near the TACOM facility on the day he indicated the attack would occur.
“The arrest of this former soldier serves as a stark reminder of the critical nature of our counter-intelligence efforts to identify and thwart those aiming to endanger our nation,” stated Brig. Gen. Lett R. Cox, the Army’s counterintelligence commander.
