The FBI says it thwarted a potential terror attack planned for Halloween weekend in Michigan, and two men have now been charged in federal court in connection with the alleged plot. The case, outlined in a 73-page criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, details accusations that the suspects discussed support for ISIS and acquired firearms and ammunition ahead of the holiday.
According to the complaint, reviewed by NBC News, authorities arrested multiple individuals on October 31 following a months-long investigation. The probe zeroed in on a small group of young people who allegedly used encrypted apps and social media to share extremist content and discuss potential targets tied to Halloween festivities.
What The Federal Complaint Alleges
Two suspects, identified as Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, are charged with receiving and transferring, and attempting and conspiring to transfer, firearms and ammunition with the knowledge or reasonable belief they would be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism. The complaint centers on communications and activity that allegedly took place between July 2025 and October 2025.
Investigators say Ali and an unnamed juvenile were referenced in third-party communications discussing plans to conduct an attack on behalf of the Islamic State. The filing alleges the pair, along with Mahmoud and at least two other individuals, circulated ISIS-related materials encouraging attacks similar to what they were purportedly planning.
The complaint further claims that Ali purchased multiple weapons and accessories in August and September 2025, including a shotgun and an AR-15-style rifle. One item cited in the filing is a device described as a forced reset trigger, which can increase the rate of fire in a semiautomatic weapon. Prosecutors also allege Mahmoud bought an AR-15-style rifle in September 2025 and approximately 1,600 rounds of ammunition the following month.
Beyond the alleged online activity, the defendants and the unnamed minor purportedly made several trips to Ferndale, Michigan, in September 2025. The complaint notes that Ferndale is known for its concentration of bars, clubs, and restaurants, and suggests the visits may have been reconnaissance to scout locations. While the filing sketches a timeline and outlines purchases, it does not indicate that an attack was carried out.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations. Ali and Mahmoud are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
How The Halloween Arrests Unfolded
On October 31, the FBI announced that agents had disrupted a potential attack and taken multiple suspects into custody in Michigan. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the bureau said it had acted over Halloween weekend and credited the coordinated work of federal agents and local law enforcement partners.
Four law enforcement officials told NBC News that the FBI’s Detroit field office stopped a group of young individuals who were allegedly plotting an attack with some reference to Halloween. Additional arrests believed to be related to the case took place in Dearborn and Inkster, both in the Detroit metropolitan area, according to the outlet.
Local authorities corroborated the federal activity. Dearborn police confirmed the FBI conducted operations in the city on the morning of October 31, issuing a brief statement acknowledging the federal presence. No injuries were reported, and officials have not announced any threat to the public following the arrests.
What Comes Next In The Case
The complaint, filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, lays the foundation for initial court appearances, potential detention hearings, and the government’s continued presentation of evidence. The charges—centered on the transfer of firearms and ammunition with knowledge they could be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism—carry significant penalties if proven at trial.
Next steps typically include arraignments, where the defendants enter pleas, and a schedule for preliminary hearings or grand jury proceedings. The court will also consider whether the defendants should remain detained pending trial, based on factors like public safety and flight risk.
Law enforcement has not publicly identified the juvenile mentioned in the complaint, and details about the two additional alleged conspirators remain limited. Prosecutors often withhold some information early in national security investigations to protect sources, methods, and ongoing operations.
While the filing paints a picture of planning, procurement, and alleged extremist messaging tied to Halloween weekend, authorities emphasize that the case is at an early stage. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.
For now, the FBI’s intervention appears to have forestalled a potential act of violence during one of the busiest nights of the year for Michigan’s nightlife districts. As the court process moves forward, the public will likely learn more about how the investigation unfolded, what evidence was collected, and how authorities say the alleged plot came together—and ultimately, how it was stopped.
