Two 20-year-old men, Muhammad Ali and Majed Mahmoud, have been charged with terrorism-related offenses after allegedly planning an attack on LGBTQ+ bars in suburban Detroit around Halloween. According to a 72-page federal complaint, they were inspired by Islamic State extremism and were heavily monitored by the FBI, which had been tracking them for several weeks.
The men were found to have acquired high-powered weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Prior to their arrest, they scouted a specific bar in Ferndale, which is known for its LGBTQ+ community, and referenced “pumpkins” in conversations hinting at their Halloween plot.
Investigators uncovered their plans through surveillance and access to encrypted communications. The complaint highlights a minor’s involvement and connections to a radical ideological figure. Both Ali and Mahmoud face charges related to firearms for terrorist purposes and will remain in custody until at least a detention hearing on November 10.
Local leaders expressed concern over the threat, especially given the painful memories of the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016. This incident marks the second suspected Islamic State-related plot in the Detroit area in a few months.
Source link
