Two men from Michigan have been charged with plotting a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS. They reportedly aimed to replicate the devastating Paris attacks of 2015, which claimed 130 lives, by targeting an LGBTQ-friendly bar in a Detroit suburb, as detailed in a recently unsealed 72-page criminal complaint.
The suspects, identified as Muhammad Ali and Majed Mahmoud from Dearborn, allegedly conspired to execute a mass shooting on Halloween night, code-naming their grim plan “Pumpkin.”
Authorities tracked their cell phone activity, revealing that they were moving towards Ferndale, an area known for its bars and restaurants that intentionally attract members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Before they could execute their plan, law enforcement conducted a search of their home and a nearby warehouse, where they seized three AR-15-style rifles, two shotguns, four handguns, and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, along with a GoPro camera, tactical vests, and additional gear.
During September and October, Ali, Mahmoud, and two unnamed accomplices were recorded practicing at a shooting range.
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, noted the importance of the intervention, stateing that “the FBI stopped a massacre before it happened.” He communicated this through X after the criminal charges were made public on Monday.
He emphasized that “Two Michigan men planned an ISIS-inspired Halloween terrorist attack near Detroit, stockpiled weapons, scouted targets, and trained at a shooting range. The FBI acted swiftly, followed up on evidence, and likely saved countless lives.”
Notably, both men were under 21 but managed to legally obtain high-end firearms, including a 12-gauge Beretta A300 Ultima Competition shotgun and various rifles, as mentioned in the complaint.
