DETROIT (AP) – Two men, Momed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, have been charged with terrorism-related crimes in the Detroit area after federal authorities conducted arrests and seized a significant cache of weapons last week. The arrests were made following an investigation that revealed these individuals had scouted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit. This information came to light from a 72-page criminal complaint that was unsealed in federal court on Monday.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the efforts of law enforcement, stating on X, “Our American heroes prevented a terror attack.” The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, had previously announced the arrests but withheld details while agents were conducting searches at a home in Dearborn and a storage unit in Inkster.
The criminal complaint alleged that Ali and Mahmoud, along with other co-conspirators, were inspired by Islamic State extremism. Notably, discussions implicating a minor in the conspiracy were also highlighted. Investigators have indicated that the two men often referred to “pumpkins” in their conversations, which was interpreted as a reference to a Halloween attack.
Ali and Mahmoud have been charged specifically with receiving and transferring firearms and ammunition in connection with terrorism activities. Mahmoud, in particular, had recently purchased over 1,600 rounds of ammunition compatible with AR-15-style rifles, which both men reportedly possessed. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that they practiced at gun ranges in preparation for a potential attack.
As part of the legal proceedings, both individuals were scheduled to appear in court on Monday afternoon for their initial appearances. Mahmoud's lawyer, William Swor, declined to offer a comment regarding the allegations, while attempts to reach Ali's lawyer, Amir Makled, were met with no immediate response.
In the days leading up to the arrests, Makled seemed to downplay the seriousness of the allegations, suggesting they stemmed from “hysteria” and “fearmongering.” The FBI had been monitoring the activities of Ali and Mahmoud for several weeks, employing surveillance tactics, including using a camera on a pole outside a residence in Dearborn. The investigation had also gained access to encrypted chats and various conversations among the suspects.
