Two 20-year-old men in the Detroit area—Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud—have been charged in connection with an alleged ISIS-inspired plot targeting a Halloween-night attack in Michigan.
According to court documents, the men frequented gun ranges where they practiced with high-powered firearms and tactical gear while plotting violence over the Halloween weekend. Authorities say the scheme—codenamed “pumpkin”—targeted establishments in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb known for its LGBTQ+ nightlife.
FBI agents recovered three AR-15-style rifles, two shotguns, four pistols, over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, and surveillance equipment during searches of the suspects’ homes and related storage units. Investigators also intercepted encrypted messages that referenced the planned operation and expressed allegiance to extremist ideology.
The arrests came following a coordinated raid in Dearborn and Inkster, where agents halted the plot before any attack occurred. Federal prosecutors have charged Ali and Mahmoud with transferring and attempting to transfer firearms and ammunition for terrorism. They remain in custody ahead of a November detention hearing.
The case is under active investigation, and law-enforcement officials say they will continue to monitor any related conspirators and online channels for further threats.