MICHIGAN, USA (BN24) — Two U.S. citizens were arrested Friday for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired attack on Halloween, authorities revealed Monday. The plot, which was intercepted by the FBI, involved the men purchasing firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun, and discussing the logistics of carrying out a terrorist attack, officials said.
According to court records, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both from Michigan, had allegedly been conspiring to carry out a violent attack on or around Halloween. The men reportedly referred to their plan as “Pumpkin Day,” a coded term that suggested an attack during the Halloween period. The FBI had been monitoring their activities for several months before making the arrests.
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the FBI’s efforts in preventing the attack, stating, “Thanks to the diligent work of law enforcement, the plot was stopped before innocent lives were lost.”
The investigation revealed that the men had been preparing for their attack by purchasing various firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun, as well as a “forced reset trigger” to modify the semi-automatic weapons, increasing their rate of fire. The FBI also found multiple handguns, tactical vests, and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition during a search of the men’s homes on Friday.
According to the Justice Department, Ali and Mahmoud practiced shooting at firing ranges around Michigan and discussed their plans in encrypted online communications. They allegedly shared extremist and ISIS-related materials, encouraging attacks similar to those carried out by the terrorist group in the past.
The FBI investigation began when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer discovered disturbing materials on the phone of one of the unnamed co-conspirators during a routine check upon their return to the United States. The phone contained “Google searches related to ISIS and the Islamic State” as well as pictures of the co-conspirator in military-style clothing with weapons.
The investigation revealed that Ali and Mahmoud had discussed traveling overseas to join ISIS fighters, and while abroad, they allegedly plotted an attack in the U.S., discussing the possibility of carrying out a mass shooting similar to the 2015 Paris terror attacks and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, which ISIS had claimed responsibility for.
On October 17, Ali allegedly told an unnamed individual, “We’ve got some new plan for real – for real,” and urged them to “learn how to shoot.” This conversation was followed by plans to hold a meeting to discuss how to proceed with the attack. Documents indicated that the men referred to their plot using the term “pumpkins,” potentially as a reference to Halloween, indicating the planned timing of their attack.
Despite some reluctance expressed by Ali on October 19, the conversations continued, with references to “pumpkin” signaling an impending attack. Ali reportedly told one individual, “If that happens, the thing is you won’t know once you see it on the news, the open news.” By October 24, discussions were continuing, with one co-conspirator confirming that “we are going to do pumpkin.”
Authorities have not disclosed the full details of the planned attack, but emphasized that their swift action prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy. The FBI’s ability to intercept the plot before it could unfold is a testament to the increasing vigilance of U.S. law enforcement in addressing domestic terrorism.
“The Justice Department remains committed to thwarting extremist threats and protecting the safety of our communities from those who would seek to harm,” said an FBI spokesperson. “We will continue to investigate and take action against those who attempt to carry out these dangerous plans.”
The arrests came just days before Halloween, one of the busiest holidays in the United States, prompting heightened concern over the potential for violent events. U.S. officials have warned that the threat from domestic extremist groups remains a significant concern.
The case marks another example of the FBI’s ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist attacks within the U.S. It also highlights the growing trend of extremist ideologies being spread through encrypted messaging services and online platforms.
While Ali and Mahmoud have been arrested, the investigation remains ongoing, with the FBI continuing to probe the full extent of the conspiracy and potential links to other co-conspirators. Officials have not yet indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
The Justice Department’s National Security Division has vowed to continue its efforts to disrupt terrorist plots, emphasizing that “preventing acts of terrorism is of utmost importance to the safety of Americans.”
As authorities continue their investigations, experts are urging heightened vigilance and awareness of the ongoing threat posed by domestic terrorism and the radicalization of individuals through online platforms.
