FBI Thwarts Alleged Dearborn Terror Plot Planned for Halloween, Two Men Charged
A terrifying plot that could have brought tragedy to Dearborn, Michigan, was stopped before it could unfold, thanks to swift action by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Federal investigators have charged Majed Mahmoud and Mohmed Ali in connection with an alleged plan to carry out a terror attack on Halloween, an operation they say was referred to in encrypted messages by the code word “pumpkin.”
Location and Timeline of the Plot
According to the criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the investigation centered around activities in Dearborn, a densely populated city just west of Detroit known for its vibrant Arab-American community.
Between September 26 and October 26, 2025, the FBI monitored more than 125 encrypted communications exchanged between the suspects and others on the messaging platform WhatsApp. These conversations revealed alarming details about the men’s preparation for what authorities describe as a potentially lethal coordinated attack.
The communications, many of which were translated from Arabic, referenced weapons purchases, gun range visits, and the development of attack plans. The FBI reports that the term “pumpkin” was repeatedly used in these conversations — a coded reference believed to signify Halloween, the day they allegedly intended to strike.
The Suspects: Majed Mahmoud and Mohmed Ali
Majed Mahmoud and Mohmed Ali, both believed to be U.S. residents of Middle Eastern descent, were arrested following weeks of surveillance and evidence collection. Authorities say Ali, in particular, was a central figure who purchased weapons, organized meetings, and encouraged others to prepare for violence.
According to investigators, Ali held what he called a “Shura Council” — an advisory meeting — with Mahmoud and others to finalize plans. He spoke in chilling religious terms, referring to the act as a path to “paradise” and martyrdom.
Mahmoud, meanwhile, was reportedly described as confident but nervous by another participant in the chats. The FBI alleges that both men actively participated in discussions about targeting public spaces, including bars and clubs in Ferndale, a suburb known for its nightlife.
Chilling Communications and Preparations
Court records outline a disturbing sequence of exchanges between Ali, Mahmoud, and a third participant identified as Person 1. On October 15, 2025, Ali expressed his readiness for martyrdom, stating that dying in the planned attack would bring him “closer to paradise.” Person 1 replied in agreement, adding, “God willing.”
By October 17, messages revealed that the group had made visits to Downriver Guns, a shooting range in Brownstown Township, where they practiced using an AR-15 rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun. The FBI’s criminal complaint includes photographs, text logs, and witness statements confirming that the suspects trained together and discussed finalizing “the big 2035” — another coded phrase interpreted as referring to their planned event.
In later conversations, Ali repeatedly mentioned the word “pumpkin”, often laughing or mocking about “doing the pumpkin for real,” a phrase the FBI interprets as referencing their Halloween attack date. When asked about delays, Person 1 responded, “We already agreed on this day — keep it on this day,” signaling a firm commitment to execute the plan on October 31.
Religious Justification and External Influence
One of the more alarming revelations came from an October 29 phone call between Person 1 and the father of an Islamic ideologue. According to the FBI, Person 1 sought spiritual “guidance” about when to carry out their “good deed.” The older man reportedly encouraged him not to delay, saying it would be better to act sooner. Agents interpreted this exchange as a push to accelerate the attack timeline.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The FBI moved swiftly in the final days of October, executing arrests and preventing what could have been a mass-casualty event. Both Majed Mahmoud and Mohmed Ali were taken into custody without incident. Authorities say the men had access to firearms, ammunition, and encrypted communications equipment.
The two suspects appeared in federal court on Monday, November 3, 2025, where they were formally charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism and unlawful possession of weapons in furtherance of a violent plot. Both men remain in federal custody and are scheduled to return to court for detention hearings on November 10, 2025.
FBI’s Statement and Ongoing Investigation
In a statement released after the arrests, FBI Detroit Division officials confirmed that the alleged plot was “disrupted before any threat to the public materialized.” They credited their rapid response to interagency collaboration and intelligence analysis of encrypted digital platforms.
“Through careful monitoring, we were able to interpret coded language and stop an attack before innocent lives were put at risk,” the statement read.
The investigation remains ongoing as agents work to identify additional individuals who may have been aware of or involved in the conspiracy.
A City on Edge but Grateful
Residents of Dearborn expressed shock and relief following the arrests. The community, often praised for its diversity and unity, has rallied around local leaders emphasizing peace and cooperation. Religious and civic groups are now coordinating forums to counter extremism and prevent radicalization.
As of now, both Majed Mahmoud and Mohmed Ali face serious federal charges, and authorities continue to piece together the full scope of their activities — ensuring that the chilling “pumpkin plot” remains only a dark chapter in the city’s history, never a tragedy realized.
