WASHINGTON: The FBI has thwarted a potential terrorist attack allegedly planned for Halloween weekend in the US state of Michigan, officials confirmed Friday.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X that “multiple subjects” had been arrested in connection with the foiled plot. “Through swift action and close coordination with our local partners, a potential act of terror was stopped before it could unfold,” he stated, without revealing specific details about the suspects or their intended target.
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According to CBS News, the alleged plot was inspired by Daesh and involved five individuals aged between 16 and 20. One or more of them reportedly had ties to a former Michigan National Guard member arrested earlier this year for planning an IS-inspired attack on a U.S. Army facility in suburban Detroit.
CNN reported that the group had been chatting online about carrying out an attack, practicing with automatic weapons at a shooting range, and referring to “pumpkin day” — a possible code name for Halloween.
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The Dearborn Police Department, west of Detroit, confirmed on Facebook that FBI operations had taken place in the city early Friday, adding that “there is no threat to the community at this time.” FBI agents were seen searching multiple homes in the area as part of the ongoing investigation.