Authorities Say Two Men Inspired by Islamic State Extremism Were Scouting LGBTQ+ Bars in Suburban Detroit for Possible Attack
DETROIT (AP) — Two men who had acquired high-powered weapons and practiced at gun ranges were scouting LGBTQ+ bars in suburban Detroit for a possible attack, authorities said Monday as they filed terrorism-related charges against the pair.
Momed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, along with co-conspirators, were inspired by the Islamic State group’s extremism, according to a 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court. Investigators also say a minor, identified only as Person 1, was deeply involved in the discussions.
“Our American heroes prevented a terror attack,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X.
The 20-year-old men, described as too young to legally drink alcohol, had targeted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale as potential locations for an attack, the complaint states. Before making arrests last Friday, FBI agents had conducted weeks of surveillance, including using a camera mounted on a pole outside a Dearborn house.
Investigators gained access to encrypted chats, monitored other conversations, and scoured social media posts to piece together the plot.
Charges and Court Appearances
Ali and Mahmoud were charged with receiving and transferring guns and ammunition for terrorism purposes. They made brief appearances in federal court Monday and will remain in custody at least until a detention hearing scheduled for November 10.
Defense attorneys William Swor and Amir Makled declined to comment on the case. Over the weekend, Makled appeared to dismiss the allegations as being the result of “hysteria” and “fear-mongering.”
Weapons and Materials Seized
According to government allegations, Mahmoud recently purchased more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition suitable for AR-15-style rifles. Both men had practiced at gun ranges.
The FBI also reported that the men repeatedly referred to “pumpkins” in their conversations — a veiled reference to a planned Halloween attack.
Searches of homes in Dearborn and a storage unit rented by Ali in nearby Inkster uncovered tactical vests, backpacks, multiple AR-15-style rifles, ammunition, loaded handguns, and GoPro cameras.
Role of Minor and Additional Contacts
The court filing reveals that Person 1, the minor involved, regularly consulted with the father of a “local Islamic extremist ideologue” regarding the timing of committing a so-called “good deed.”
Earlier, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrests but withheld details while the investigations and searches were ongoing.
Community Reaction
Ferndale, located just north of Detroit, is known for attracting tens of thousands of people to its annual Pride parade.
Former Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter, who is openly gay and now serves as Oakland County executive, called the alleged plot “disturbing.”
“The pain of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando, Florida, nine years ago while I was serving as mayor of Ferndale is still deeply felt in the community,” Coulter said, referencing the 2016 mass shooting that left 49 dead at the LGBTQ+-friendly nightclub.
Related Cases
This incident marks the second case since May involving alleged plots in the Detroit area connected to the Islamic State group.
The FBI previously arrested Ammar Said, who had spent months planning an attack against a U.S. Army site in Warren. Said has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.
Associated Press writer Corey Williams in Detroit contributed to this report.
https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/2-plotted-terror-attacks-at-lgbtq-bars-in-detroit-area-authorities-say/