DETROIT (AP) – In a disturbing development, authorities have filed terrorism-related charges against two 20-year-old men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, who allegedly plotted a Halloween attack on LGBTQ+ bars in suburban Detroit. The men had acquired high-powered weapons and reportedly practiced at gun ranges before scouting potential targets in Ferndale, according to a comprehensive 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court.

The complaint states that Ali, Mahmoud, and their co-conspirators were inspired by the extremism of the Islamic State group. It also reveals that a minor, referred to as Person 1, was significantly involved in the discussions concerning the planned attack. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed gratitude for the intervention by law enforcement, stating, "Our American heroes prevented a terror attack."

Despite being underage for alcohol consumption, the two suspects were allegedly preparing for an attack at LGBTQ+ venues in Ferndale, a city that draws large crowds for its annual Pride parade. Prior to their arrests on Friday, the FBI had conducted extensive surveillance on the men, including deploying a camera outside a Dearborn residence. Investigators gained access to encrypted chats and social media posts, leading to their identification during an investigation into another individual.

Both suspects face charges related to receiving and transferring firearms and ammunition for terrorism purposes. Following their brief appearances in federal court, they will remain in custody until a detention hearing scheduled for November 10. Defense attorneys William Swor and Amir Makled have refrained from commenting on the case, though Makled suggested over the weekend that the allegations stemmed from "hysteria" and "fear-mongering."

Evidence gathered by the FBI indicated that Mahmoud had procured over 1,600 rounds of ammunition compatible with AR-15-style rifles, and both men had engaged in target practice at shooting ranges. The investigation revealed that the suspects frequently referred to "pumpkins" in their communications, alluding to their planned Halloween attack. The minor involved also reportedly sought advice from the father of a local Islamic extremist on the timing of when to carry out a "good deed."

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrests but did not disclose specific details at that time, as agents were still conducting searches of homes in Dearborn and a storage unit rented by Ali in Inkster. These searches resulted in the discovery of tactical vests, backpacks, AR-15-style rifles, ammunition, loaded handguns, and GoPro cameras.

While the criminal complaint does not specify why Ferndale was targeted, parallels have been drawn to the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, where the assailant pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. The former mayor of Ferndale, now Oakland County executive, Dave Coulter, expressed concern over the alleged plot, citing the lasting impact of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy within the community.

This case marks the second instance since May of an alleged terrorist plot linked to the Islamic State group in the Detroit area. In a previous case, a man named Ammar Said was arrested for planning an attack against a U.S. Army site in Warren and has since pleaded not guilty, remaining in custody.