An FBI agent stands by an Evidence Response Team truck outside a home in a Dearborn, Michigan. (Photo: AP)
Two men have been charged with terrorism-related crimes in the US state of Michigan for an alleged plot to carry out a terror attack on Halloween. According to the court documents, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud are charged with receiving and transferring, and attempting and conspiring to transfer, firearms and ammunition, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the firearms and ammunition would be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism.
‘Inspired by Islamic State’
The 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court showed that Ali and Mahmoud discussed with their co-conspirators, including a minor, about carrying out an attack on behalf of the Islamic State terrorist group.
FBI agents outside a home in a Dearborn, Michigan where one of the two accused was arrested. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)
‘Discussed pumpkins’
Ali allegedly purchased a shotgun and other firearm accessories in August and September, while Mahmoud purchased an AR-15-style rifle in September. He also bought more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition a month later.
According to the court documents, the two accused, along with the unnamed minor, practiced shooting at multiple gun ranges in September and October.
The FBI said the men repeatedly referred to “pumpkins” in their conversations, which the agency said was a reference to a Halloween attack.
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The men had scouted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb to carry out the attack, the FBI said.
The duo was arrested last week and federal authorities seized a cache of weapons last week in a storage unit and elsewhere. This includes two tactical backpacks, chest-rig vests and 24 empty magazines at a storage unit allegedly rented by Ali.
An FBI Evidence Response Team truck is seen in a Dearborn. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)
“Our American heroes prevented a terror attack,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X.
“The FBI stopped a massacre before it could happen. Two Michigan men planned an ISIS-inspired Halloween terror attack near Detroit- stockpiling weapons, scouting targets, and training at gun ranges. This FBI acted fast, followed the evidence, and likely saved countless lives,” FBI Director Kash Patel said on X.
The FBI stopped a massacre before it could happen.
Two Michigan men planned an ISIS-inspired Halloween terror attack near Detroit- stockpiling weapons, scouting targets, and training at gun ranges.
This FBI acted fast, followed the evidence, and likely saved countless lives. pic.twitter.com/IHYga46Ynt
Rejecting the allegations Ali’s lawyer, Amir Makled, described his client as a 20-year-old US citizen “with a lawful interest in recreational firearms,” said the allegations were the result of “hysteria” and “fearmongering.”
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An FBI agent stands by an Evidence Response Team truck outside a home in a Dearborn, Michigan. (Photo: AP) 
