Detroit's Foiled Halloween Plot: A Close Call for Safety

Inspired by Extremist Ideologies

Authorities in Detroit have charged two 20-year-old men with planning a terrorist attack on LGBTQ+ bars in the suburbs. The suspects were inspired by the extremist ideologies of the Islamic State group, according to a detailed criminal complaint.

Investigation Reveals Preparation and Surveillance

The investigation uncovered that the men had been practicing at gun ranges and had acquired high-powered weapons. They discussed their plans in encrypted chats and on social media. The FBI had been monitoring them for weeks, even using surveillance cameras outside a Dearborn house.

Code for a Halloween Attack

The men referred to "pumpkins" in their conversations, which authorities believe was code for a Halloween attack. They also consulted with a local Islamic extremist ideologue about committing a "good deed," interpreted by authorities as a terrorist act.

FBI's Interest and Charges

The FBI's interest began when they were investigating another individual and picked up information on a group call in July. The men were charged with receiving and transferring guns and ammunition for terrorism. They made brief appearances in federal court and will remain in custody until a detention hearing.

Evidence Found

Searches of the men's homes and a storage unit turned up tactical vests, backpacks, AR-15-style rifles, ammunition, loaded handguns, and GoPro cameras. The criminal complaint does not specify why Ferndale was a target, but the city is known for its annual Pride parade and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere.

Second Case in the Detroit Area

This is the second case since May involving alleged plots in the Detroit area on behalf of the Islamic State group. In May, the FBI arrested a man planning an attack against a U.S. Army site in Warren. The man has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.

Community Reaction

The former mayor of Ferndale, Dave Coulter, expressed concern about the alleged plot. Coulter, who is gay, said the pain of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy is still deeply felt in Ferndale. The Pulse Nightclub attack in Orlando, Florida, in 2016, killed 49 people and was carried out by a man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Defense Attorneys' Response

The defense attorneys declined to comment, but one seemed to downplay the allegations, calling them the result of "hysteria" and "fear-mongering." The men's families have not yet commented on the situation.