FBI Foils Ferndale Halloween Terror Plot

The FBI says it thwarted a planned Halloween-weekend terrorist attack in Ferndale, Michigan, and federal prosecutors charged Dearborn residents Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud on Nov. 3 with receiving, transferring and conspiring to transfer firearms and ammunition knowing they would be used to commit terrorism. A 73-page criminal complaint alleges the two were part of a five-person group that included a juvenile and two other co-conspirators who used encrypted chats, referred to themselves as “brothers,” and discussed carrying out an attack “on behalf of ISIS.” Investigators say the group purchased multiple AR-15–style rifles, accessories including a forced-reset trigger, tactical gear and more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition, practiced at gun ranges, and scouted Ferndale bars and clubs as possible targets. FBI raids on Oct. 31 recovered AR-15–style rifles, shotguns, handguns, tactical vests, optical sights, GoPro cameras and other weapons parts from Dearborn residences and an Inkster storage unit. Defense lawyers have described the defendants as video gamers and recreational gun enthusiasts and called online talk puffery, while prosecutors point to the purchases, training and scouting as evidence; both men face federal terrorism-related firearms charges and were scheduled for initial federal court appearances on Nov. 3 as the investigation continues.