Halloween Terror Plot Uncovered in Michigan

In a shocking turn of events, two men from Michigan were recently charged for allegedly planning a terrifying attack on Halloween in a Detroit suburb. The FBI uncovered this plot, which was reportedly inspired by ISIS and codenamed "pumpkin. " The suspects, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, were accused of planning a mass shooting and were charged with firearms-related offenses. The investigation revealed that Ali frequently practiced shooting at a local range, sometimes with Mahmoud, a juvenile suspect, and other unnamed individuals. Despite claims from one suspect's lawyer that there was no plot, the FBI found compelling evidence. Intercepted communications showed the juvenile suspect insisting the attack should happen on Halloween, referencing the need to act quickly. Before the suspects could carry out their plan, authorities acted swiftly. They executed search warrants at the suspects' homes and a storage unit, uncovering a significant arsenal. This included three AR-15-style rifles, two shotguns, four pistols, and over 1, 600 rounds of ammunition. Additional evidence like GoPro cameras and tactical gear was also found. The alleged plot began on September 1 and was set to take place on Halloween. Investigators noted suspicious activity, such as scouting potential attack locations in Ferndale, a suburb known for its vibrant LGBT nightlife. The suspects' behavior raised red flags, especially since none of them were over 21. The suspects allegedly drew inspiration from the 2015 ISIS attack in France, which left 137 dead. One co-conspirator's phone revealed searches for "ISIS" and "Islamic State, " along with photos of him in tactical gear. Despite ISIS's military defeat in 2019, the group continues to inspire extremist activities. The investigation also uncovered extensive gun purchases and modifications, with bank records and browsing history providing key evidence. The suspects allegedly shared extremist content on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Discord. They even sought advice from a local extremist ideologue's father.