Federal authorities have charged two men in Michigan with plotting an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack that may have aimed to emulate the 2015 Paris massacres, with the FBI asserting they prevented a potential Halloween assault on American soil.
Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both 20 years old, face federal charges for allegedly conspiring to transfer firearms and ammunition with the knowledge they would be used in a terrorism offense. The criminal complaint, unsealed on Monday, outlines their involvement in a plot inspired by the Islamic State group. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A detention hearing is scheduled for November 10.
According to the FBI, the suspects discussed carrying out an attack on Halloween, referencing the 2015 Paris terror attacks that killed 130 people. In encrypted chats, they allegedly said they intended to do the “same thing as France” and mentioned “Paris for a 2015,” which investigators interpreted as allusions to the coordinated assaults. The group also shared extremist materials promoting similar attacks.
The plot came to light after an FBI raid in the early hours of Halloween in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit known for its large Arab American population. Residents were awakened by smoke bombs and commands in Arabic as agents stormed a home, arresting multiple individuals. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on social media that the agency had “thwarted a potential terrorist attack” and arrested suspects allegedly planning violence over the weekend.
Investigators say Ali purchased a shotgun, an AR-15-style rifle, and accessories including a forced reset trigger to increase firing rate, while Mahmoud bought another AR-15 and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition. They also acquired tactical gear, such as vests capable of holding ammunition magazines, which were seized from a storage unit. The suspects allegedly visited shooting ranges to practice high-speed reloads.
The Dearborn community has expressed skepticism about the allegations, with neighbors and attorneys questioning the validity of the plot. Attorneys for the defendants claim the online chats were misinterpreted, possibly as “online gamer chat,” and that the individuals had a lawful interest in firearms. Community members describe the suspects as “just kids” and worry about Islamophobic backlash, given Dearborn’s demographic makeup.
Security experts like Colin Clarke have raised doubts about the maturity of the plot, suggesting that authorities may be overstating the threat or protecting prosecution details. He questioned whether there was direct communication with ISIS operatives or merely internal discussions among the group. The delay in providing evidence has fueled concerns about the basis for the claims.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions around domestic terrorism and the surveillance of Muslim communities in the U.S. Dearborn, often called the heart of Arab America, has faced stereotypes and hate speech following the raid. Local leaders and organizations like CAIR have called for transparency and caution against collective guilt, emphasizing the community’s long-standing integration and contributions. As the legal process unfolds, the case will test the evidence presented by the FBI and the defense’s arguments, with implications for public perception and counterterrorism efforts.