Two men from Dearborn have been federally charged with planning a terror attack in Ferndale over the Halloween weekend, according to a criminal complaint unsealed today, Nov. 3. The accused, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, are suspected of a plot to support ISIS and are facing gun crime charges. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, specifics of the alleged plan include the scouting of potential targets in Ferndale on September 19 and 20, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs on Woodward Avenue near East Nine Mile.
The FBI moved to swiftly disrupt the purported scheme, arresting the suspects before they could to carry out their plans. The federal agents uncovered an array of weaponry and tactical gear during searches of the suspects' homes and a related storage unit on Halloween. This haul included three AR-15 style rifles, two shotguns, four handguns, over 1600 rounds of ammunition, and various firearm parts and accessories, as detailed in a ClickOnDetroit report. Additionally, the conspirators had been alleged to actively train at gun ranges and engage in encrypted communications outlining their plans for heretofore an attack.
Defense attorneys for the accused have pushed back against the allegations, with Bill Swor and Amir Makled pointing out that, despite the charges, they are still reviewing the complaint. Makled previously asserted his client's innocence, exclaiming, "There is nothing here," and suggesting the FBI "jumped the gun" with the arrests. This sentiment was echoed in comments to Detroit Free Press, where Makled described the defendants as "gamers" with a penchant for bravado devoid of violent intent.
Aside from the weaponry and tactical gear, the FBI also found GoPro cameras and other gear that could be utilized in executing a terror attack. Upon discovery, FBI Director Kash Patel took to social media, claiming the FBI had "thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects" in Michigan, emphasizing how the bureau acted fast to likely save countless lives, as per Detroit Free Press. The actions of the FBI have garnered praise from Michigan's governor, the state attorney general, and President Donald Trump, who also underlined the significance of catching potential threats before they manifest into action.
Meanwhile, the broader investigation continues as the FBI takes a closer look at a wider group that shared extremist content and materials in support of ISIS through encrypted chats. Both defendants appeared in federal court for their initial appearances on the day the complaint was filed.
