Federal
prosecutors allege two Michigan residents sought to support ISIS through a
planned attack in the United States
Washington, D.C. U.S.A | Federal authorities have charged two men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, in connection with what officials describe as an ISIS-inspired plot to carry out an attack on U.S. soil. The FBI affidavit alleges the pair purchased AR-15-style rifles and discussed potential attacks through encrypted messaging platforms in the weeks leading up to Halloween 2025.
Background
and Charges
According
to documents filed in federal court, Ali and Mahmoud each acquired firearms and
ammunition believed to be intended for use in a terrorist act.
They
are charged under 18 U.S.C. §2339A, a federal statute prohibiting attempts or
conspiracies to provide material support for terrorism.
Prosecutors
indicate that at least five individuals, including one minor, were part of the
group’s online network, though only Ali and Mahmoud currently face federal
charges. Investigators say the group exchanged ISIS-related propaganda and
encouragement for domestic attacks through social media and encrypted channels.
Investigation
and FBI Findings
“Both
individuals practiced shooting at gun ranges and appeared to target Halloween
weekend,” states the FBI affidavit.
The
document does not specify intended targets or geographic locations of the
alleged plot.
FBI
Director Kash Patel confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the agency
disrupted a potential Halloween attack, though the statement reportedly
prompted internal concern at the Department of Justice over the timing of the
disclosure.
Legal
Context and Next Steps
Ali
and Mahmoud have not yet entered pleas.
Legal
representation for Ali did not respond to media inquiries, and information
regarding Mahmoud’s attorney was unavailable as of publication. The court has
not yet set trial dates.
The
case underscores renewed U.S. counterterrorism efforts focused on domestic
radicalization and encrypted communications, particularly amid increased online
extremist activity.
Broader
Implications
Experts
note that this investigation highlights persistent challenges in monitoring
self-radicalized networks operating within the United States.
According
to the Department of Homeland Security, encrypted platforms have become a
central vector for extremist recruitment and coordination since 2020.
By:
Maria Perez | Editor-in-Chief, CRNTimes
Edited
by: Maria Perez
Publication
date: 11/03/2025 | Updated: 05:30 PM CST
This
article was produced using verified court documents and official statements
from the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI. It complies with CRNTimes