Federal agents in Detroit stopped a planned terror attack after arresting two men linked to Islamic State-inspired extremism. The suspects, Momed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, were taken into custody following the discovery of a large weapons cache in a storage unit and other locations last week.
According to a 72-page criminal complaint, the men had scouted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb, and discussed a possible Halloween attack, referring to it as targeting “pumpkins.” Investigators also found that a minor was involved in their online discussions.
The FBI said both men practiced at gun ranges and owned AR-15-style rifles. Mahmoud had recently purchased more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition, raising concerns about their intentions.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised law enforcement on X, calling them “American heroes” for preventing a terror attack. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrests after agents searched homes in Dearborn and a storage unit in Inkster.
Mahmoud’s attorney William Swor declined to comment, while Ali’s lawyer Amir Makled dismissed the allegations as “hysteria” and “fearmongering.” The men are scheduled to appear in federal court Monday afternoon for their initial hearing.
