Michigan Men Charged in Alleged Halloween Terror Plot Targeting LGBTQ+ Bars
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Two Michigan men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, have been charged with plotting a Halloween mass shooting inspired by the Islamic State.
- The suspects allegedly targeted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit, and were found with firearms and tactical gear.
- A juvenile is also implicated in the plot, but remains unnamed in court documents.
- Federal agents monitored the suspects' communications and seized weapons from a storage unit and homes in Dearborn and Inkster.
- The defendants are accused of planning the attack via WhatsApp, using "pumpkin" as a code for Halloween.
Two men from Michigan have been charged with planning a mass shooting over Halloween weekend, allegedly inspired by the Islamic State. Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud are accused of targeting LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit, according to federal prosecutors. The plot, which involved a juvenile whose identity remains undisclosed, was thwarted by federal authorities who had been monitoring the suspects' activities.
Plot Details and Arrests
The suspects reportedly scouted potential locations in Ferndale, known for its vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ community. They allegedly acquired semi-automatic weapons and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, and practiced shooting at a gun range. Federal agents, acting on a 73-page charging document, raided properties linked to Ali and Mahmoud, seizing firearms, tactical gear, and electronic devices.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation, which began last year, involved monitoring the suspects' encrypted communications and social media activities. An FBI informant infiltrated group calls, providing crucial information that led to the arrests. The suspects used "pumpkin" as a code word for their planned Halloween attack, which they discussed on WhatsApp. Both men are charged with handling firearms and ammunition with the intent to commit a federal crime of terrorism. They appeared in court in Detroit on Monday.
Defense and Reactions
US Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the efforts of law enforcement, stating, "Our American heroes prevented a terror attack." Meanwhile, Ali's lawyer, Amir Makled, dismissed the allegations as "hysteria" and "fearmongering," asserting that his client had no intention of harming anyone. Mahmoud's lawyer, William Swor, declined to comment on the charges.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The legal proceedings against Ali and Mahmoud could set a precedent for how authorities handle domestic terrorism cases linked to international extremist groups. If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, which could deter similar plots in the future. The case also highlights the ongoing threat of radicalization and the importance of vigilant monitoring by federal agencies. As the trial progresses, it may prompt discussions on the balance between national security and civil liberties, particularly concerning surveillance and privacy rights.
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Michigan Men Charged in Alleged Halloween Terror Plot Targeting LGBTQ+ Bars
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Two Michigan men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, have been charged with plotting a Halloween mass shooting inspired by the Islamic State.
- The suspects allegedly targeted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit, and were found with firearms and tactical gear.
- A juvenile is also implicated in the plot, but remains unnamed in court documents.
- Federal agents monitored the suspects' communications and seized weapons from a storage unit and homes in Dearborn and Inkster.
- The defendants are accused of planning the attack via WhatsApp, using "pumpkin" as a code for Halloween.
Two men from Michigan have been charged with planning a mass shooting over Halloween weekend, allegedly inspired by the Islamic State. Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud are accused of targeting LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit, according to federal prosecutors. The plot, which involved a juvenile whose identity remains undisclosed, was thwarted by federal authorities who had been monitoring the suspects' activities.
Plot Details and Arrests
The suspects reportedly scouted potential locations in Ferndale, known for its vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ community. They allegedly acquired semi-automatic weapons and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, and practiced shooting at a gun range. Federal agents, acting on a 73-page charging document, raided properties linked to Ali and Mahmoud, seizing firearms, tactical gear, and electronic devices.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation, which began last year, involved monitoring the suspects' encrypted communications and social media activities. An FBI informant infiltrated group calls, providing crucial information that led to the arrests. The suspects used "pumpkin" as a code word for their planned Halloween attack, which they discussed on WhatsApp. Both men are charged with handling firearms and ammunition with the intent to commit a federal crime of terrorism. They appeared in court in Detroit on Monday.
Defense and Reactions
US Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the efforts of law enforcement, stating, "Our American heroes prevented a terror attack." Meanwhile, Ali's lawyer, Amir Makled, dismissed the allegations as "hysteria" and "fearmongering," asserting that his client had no intention of harming anyone. Mahmoud's lawyer, William Swor, declined to comment on the charges.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The legal proceedings against Ali and Mahmoud could set a precedent for how authorities handle domestic terrorism cases linked to international extremist groups. If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, which could deter similar plots in the future. The case also highlights the ongoing threat of radicalization and the importance of vigilant monitoring by federal agencies. As the trial progresses, it may prompt discussions on the balance between national security and civil liberties, particularly concerning surveillance and privacy rights.
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