Background and Relevance of the Individuals Involved
Two U.S. citizens, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, were arrested on October 31 in Michigan for planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack on Halloween, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
These individuals are significant as they were in possession of AR-15 rifles, tactical gear, and a detailed plan to carry out an attack within the United States. Their actions highlight the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism inspired by extremist ideologies.
Details of the Thwarted Plot
The FBI initiated an investigation after customs officials detected one of the suspects searching for information about ISIS online and possessing photographs of himself in military attire with weapons upon returning to the U.S.
Later, Ali and Mahmoud participated in a group call to discuss traveling overseas to join ISIS in Syria. During this call, they expressed their intention to remain in the U.S. and carry out attacks similar to those in France in 2015, even mentioning a potential assault on a nightclub.
In recent weeks, the suspects had been discussing carrying out an attack around Halloween, as confirmed by transcripts of their conversations.
Preparations and Modifications
- The suspects practiced at shooting ranges in Michigan and scouted potential attack sites.
- They used encrypted internet communications and social media apps to share extremist materials and ISIS-affiliated content that encouraged similar attacks.
- Ali and Mahmoud modified their AR-15 rifles to increase the rate of fire.
Response from U.S. Authorities
Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the FBI for preventing this “significant ISIS-linked terror plot” on U.S. soil.
“The suspects had AR-15 rifles, tactical gear, and a detailed plan to execute a terrorist attack in the United States,” she stated on X (formerly Twitter). “Our American heroes have thwarted a terrorist attack.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the suspects? Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, two U.S. citizens.
- What was the planned attack? An ISIS-inspired terror attack on Halloween in Michigan.
- What evidence led to their arrest? Suspicious online searches, possession of extremist material, and modified firearms.
- What motivated the suspects? Extremist ideologies and a desire to emulate attacks like those in France in 2015.
- How did authorities prevent the attack? The FBI’s investigation led to the suspects’ arrest before they could carry out their plans.
