Two Men Charged with ISIS-Inspired Halloween Terror Plot Targeting Detroit LGBTQ+ Bars

Federal authorities arrested two Michigan men, Momed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, on terrorism charges after thwarting a planned attack on LGBTQ+ bars in the Detroit suburbs during the Halloween weekend. The 20-year-olds, inspired by Islamic State extremism, had purchased high-powered weapons including AR-15-style rifles and shotguns, practiced at gun ranges, and scouted potential targets in Ferndale. Law enforcement monitored the suspects for weeks using surveillance such as cameras and accessed encrypted communications that referred to the planned attack as "Pumpkin." A minor involved in the conspiracy was also under investigation. Both men face charges of receiving and transferring firearms and ammunition for terrorism purposes and remain in custody pending a detention hearing. This case marks the second alleged ISIS-related plot in Detroit since May, with authorities uncovering extensive extremist content shared on social media by the suspects and their co-conspirators.