Kash Patel says FBI prevented Pulse-style ‘massacre’ by foiling ISIS-inspired, anti-LGBTQ+ attack
Ferndale is home to multiple LGBTQ+ clubs and businesses (Google)
Ferndale is home to multiple LGBTQ+ clubs and businesses (Google)
Two men from Michigan have been accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in Detroit, targeting LGBTQ+ bars.
Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both 20 and from Dearborn, have been accused of conspiring with at least five unnamed individuals and a minor, identified as “Person 1”, to carry out an ISIS-inspired shooting attack on Halloween night, according to an FBI affidavit.
As per Metro Weekly, prosecutors have said Ali and Person 1 planned to execute the assault, while the others planned to travel to Syria to join Islamic State forces.
Ali and Mahmoud highlighted at least three businesses, located along Woodward Avenue near 9 Mile Road in Ferndale, Michigan, as potential targets on September 19 and 20, according to a criminal complaint.
The venues were revealed to be ones that “intentionally attract members of the LGBTQ+ community”.
Ferndale is known for it’s LGBTQ+ community and Dave Coulter, the previous gay mayor of Ferndale, who is now Oakland County executive, called the alleged plot “disturbing”, comparing it to the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, which claimed 49 lives.
Following weeks of surveillance of the men the FBI obtained search warrants for their Dearborn residences and a storage unit rented by Ali in nearby Inkster, Michigan.
Agents recovered three AR-15-style rifles, two shotguns, four pistols, more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition, tactical vests and backpacks, and several GoPro cameras.
On 3 November, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: “The FBI stopped a massacre before it could happen. Two Michigan men planned an ISIS-inspired Halloween terror attack near Detroit- stockpiling weapons, scouting targets, and training at gun ranges. The FBI acted fast, followed the evidence, and likely saved countless lives.”
The FBI stopped a massacre before it could happen.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 3, 2025
Two Michigan men planned an ISIS-inspired Halloween terror attack near Detroit- stockpiling weapons, scouting targets, and training at gun ranges.
This FBI acted fast, followed the evidence, and likely saved countless lives. pic.twitter.com/IHYga46Ynt
Ali and Mahmoud were arrested and charged with one count of transferring, or attempting to transfer, weapons and ammunition intended for use in a “federal crime of terrorism”. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison.
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