DETROIT (WWJ) — Two Dearborn man are facing charges in connection with an alleged Halloween weekend terror plot — with the Detroit suburb of Ferndale as a potential target.
In a 73-page criminal complaint filed Nov. 1, and unsealed on Monday, the defendants are accused of "Receiving and transferring, and attempting and conspiring to transfer, firearms and ammunition knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the firearms and ammunition would be used to commit a Federal crime of terrorism."
In August and September 2025, the suspects are accused of planning an attack in an online chatroom.
WWJ's Tim Pamplin reports the feds say the group used encrypted apps to plan an attack they code-named "Pumpkin Day."
"Unbeknownst the the defendants, federal agents were monitoring the encrypted chatrooms, agents started tracking the defendants, and the FBI moved in and arrested the duo this past Friday morning, Halloween morning." Pamplin said.
The complaint alleges that Mohmed Ali, Majed Mahmoud and a juvenile co-conspirators then bought multiple weapons, and met on several occasions to practice shooting AR-15 style rifles and other firearms at gun ranges.
It's alleged that Ali and Mahmoud and the juvenile also met parks in or around Dearborn on multiple nights, and traveled together to "scout potential attack target locations" in Ferndale. Specifically, they allegedly were looking at LGBTQ+ bar or clubs in that city.
The FBI said the three regularly communicated with two other people to share extremist and ISIS-related material, and that "pumpkins" were frequently mentioned in reference to Halloween.
"Agents say the duo also sought guidance from a known extremist figure, and discussed the possibility of martyrdom in secretly recorded conversations," Pamplin said.
According to the complaint, the defendants did have the weapons needed to carry out such an attack.
Federal agents with search warrants recovered, "73 shotguns, four handguns, more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition compatible with the three AR-15 style rifles, optical sights, two GoPro cameras, a flash suppressor, tactical vests, and other related firearms parts and accessories," according to the complaint. And in a storage unit rented by Ali, and visited by Mahmoud agents recovered "two more chest rig vests, two black tactical backpacks, and 24 empty magazines compatible with the three seized AR-15 style rifles."
Both Ali and Mahmoud were arraigned in federal court in Detroit Monday afternoon.
This all comes after on Friday, Oct. 31, a total of five people were taken into custody by federal agents for allegedly plotting a terror attack in the Detroit area. All five were arrested in Dearborn, and a storage facility in Inkster was also searched.
According to a social media post by FBI Director Kash Patel, the group was "plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend."
Attorney Amir Makled, who represents at least one person arrested, told WWJ's Charlie Langton that, after reviewing the case, he believes no mass casualty attack was planned.
"He (Makled) says he client is not a terrorist," Langton reported, earlier Monday morning. "He's 20 years old, U.S.-born, and does have an interest in recreational firearms, but he should be released."
Meanwhile, the Dearborn Police Department has not said much about the case, but issued a statement saying it was made aware of the FBI operations in the city and wants to "assure our residents that there is no threat to the community at this time."
The Dearborn PD added, in a social media post: "The Dearborn Police Department remains committed to the safety and security of all who live, work, and visit our city."
A detention hearing for Ali and Mahmoud is set for next Monday.