DEARBORN, Mich. - In a significant law enforcement operation, multiple individuals were arrested on Friday in Michigan, allegedly for plotting a violent attack over the Halloween weekend. The arrests were announced by FBI Director Kash Patel via a social media post, which stated that more information would be released later.
The focus of the investigation was in the suburbs of Detroit. Authorities believe that the plotting was inspired by Islamic State extremism, and they are exploring whether those detained had been radicalized online. This information was provided by two sources familiar with the investigation, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive details.
Investigating units, including FBI and state police, were spotted in the vicinity of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan. Personnel dressed in FBI attire were observed entering and exiting a residence, while one individual collected items from an evidence truck. Additionally, officials from the police department in nearby Inkster reported that FBI personnel were present at a local storage facility.
Jordan Hall, an FBI spokesperson based in Detroit, stated, "There is no current threat to public safety," and further declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation. Reports indicate that discussions held in an online chatroom involving the suspects led to the arrests, with particular reference made to an attack planned for Halloween, which was referred to as "pumpkin day" by the group. This specific Halloween reference prompted the FBI's decisive action.
It remains unclear if the group had the necessary means to execute an attack; however, the mention of Halloween as a target date raised concerns among investigators. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed gratitude for the "swift action" taken by the law enforcement agencies, following her briefing by Patel. She did not provide additional details about the arrests or ongoing investigation.
Residents near the Dearborn location where the arrests took place expressed their alarm and concern for their safety, particularly given the presence of family members in the vicinity. One resident, Fatima Saleh, articulated her fears about the situation, indicating the community's trepidation regarding potential extremist threats.
This arrest operation follows another incident from May, during which an individual named Ammar Said was arrested for allegedly planning an attack on a U.S. Army site in suburban Detroit on behalf of the Islamic State. Unknown to Said, his collaborators were undercover FBI agents. He is currently in custody, facing charges related to providing support to a terrorist organization. A criminal complaint against him was recently replaced with a criminal information document, suggesting that a plea agreement may be forthcoming.
As investigations continue, the FBI is likely to provide more information about the arrests and the broader implications of the alleged plot. The heightened vigilance surrounding Halloween celebrations this year underscores ongoing concerns about domestic extremism and the potential for violence.
