A potential plot to carry out an attack in Michigan over Halloween weekend was disrupted on Friday morning, according to a statement released under the name of FBI Director Kash Patel. Federal authorities say five individuals, aged 16 to 20, were taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Law enforcement sources speaking to CBS News said the group appeared to be inspired by a former member of the Michigan Army National Guard who was arrested earlier this year. That man, 19-year-old Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, was charged in May with allegedly providing support for a planned ISIS-inspired attack on the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command facility at the Detroit Arsenal.
Investigators believe that one or more of the young people arrested on Friday may have previously known Said. However, officials emphasized that the alleged plot discussed online was in its early stages and never developed into a concrete plan. The FBI had been monitoring online conversations related to the group for some time, according to the law enforcement source.
“Through swift action and close coordination with our local partners, a potential act of terror was stopped before it could unfold,” the statement attributed to Patel said. “The vigilance of this FBI prevented what could have been a tragic attack — and thanks to their dedication, Michigan will have a safe and happy Halloween.”
The FBI’s Detroit field office confirmed that agents were active in the cities of Dearborn and Inkster on Friday, describing their presence only as “law enforcement activities.” The office emphasized that there is currently no known threat to public safety.
A member of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force reportedly first encountered two teenagers in an online chat room associated with ISIS sympathizers. While the discussions were troubling enough to prompt further investigation, authorities said there was no indication of a specific target, date, or operational capability.
Residents in Dearborn reported seeing federal agents outside a home Friday morning. City officials said they received limited advance notice about the operation but were told the situation was under control.
The Dearborn Police Department acknowledged the FBI activity in a public post, stating, “We want to assure our residents that there is no threat to the community at this time.”
Dearborn, located just west of Detroit, and Inkster, a nearby suburb, have both been the sites of previous federal investigations, though authorities stressed that Friday’s actions were isolated to this case.
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