Federal agents arrest two in Ferndale terror plot thwarted; suspects allegedly targeted LGBTQ+ nightclubs in “pumpkin” Halloween plan
Federal agents arrested two Dearborn men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, on Oct. 31, 2025, after disrupting an ISIS-inspired plot codenamed “pumpkin” that allegedly targeted LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Ferndale and involved weapons accumulation and encrypted planning.
Key takeaways
- Arrests: Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud were taken into custody Oct. 31, 2025, after an FBI operation disrupted an ISIS-inspired plot.
- Weapons and planning: Investigators say the group acquired rifles, shotguns, handguns, tactical gear and more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition and conducted reconnaissance.
- Encrypted communications: Court filings cite encrypted messages and recorded conversations referring to “pumpkin day” as the planned date.
- Ongoing investigation: Federal prosecutors and the FBI say the case remains active with other co-conspirators under scrutiny.
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Background and timeline of the investigation
In late September 2025, federal agents began assembling evidence that a small group in Dearborn planned a mass attack timed for Halloween weekend. Court documents unsealed in early November detail visits to Ferndale to survey nightlife spots along Woodward Avenue, reportedly including at least three bars that cater to LGBTQ+ patrons. The Ferndale Police Department released a statement after the arrests; see the Ferndale Police Department press release for local details.
“I gotta do the pumpkin for real… if [UI] don’t do the pumpkin I’m gonna slit my wrists,” a passage attributed to Mohmed Ali in the complaint, helped agents link the plot to a specific date and intent.
Weapons purchases and training
According to the unsealed complaint, Ali, Mahmoud and at least three others — including two adults and a juvenile identified as “Person 1” — acquired a cache of firearms and tactical equipment. The purchases allegedly included multiple AR-15–style rifles, shotguns, handguns, tactical vests and other gear, along with more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition. Investigators say the group also practiced at local shooting ranges, activities that, combined with reconnaissance and encrypted planning, indicated an imminent threat (ABC News).
Arrests, charges and federal response
On Oct. 31, 2025, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force executed search warrants in the Dearborn area and arrested Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud. Both men face federal charges including receiving, transferring and conspiring to transfer firearms and ammunition knowing the weapons would be used in a terrorism-related crime. If convicted, each faces up to 15 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 (KFOX-Tv report).
Local and federal officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that at least two other co-conspirators, including a juvenile, were under scrutiny. The FBI Detroit Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan are leading the case; Ferndale police cooperated and reassured residents there was no active threat following the arrests (WXYZ Detroit).
Evidence cited in court filings
The unsealed federal complaints cite recorded conversations, encrypted messages and financial records tied to weapons purchases. Officials say the communications show the group shared ISIS propaganda and discussed logistics and timing, often referring to the operation as “pumpkin” or “pumpkin day.” Those materials formed the backbone of the federal case leading to the arrests (ABC News).
Public officials respond
U.S. and local officials praised federal investigators for preventing what they described as a potential loss of life. Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly thanked the FBI. Law enforcement highlighted the role of surveillance, interagency cooperation and early investigative work in stopping the plot before anyone was hurt (ABC News).
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Although this case unfolded in Michigan, its lessons apply to other communities with active nightlife and diverse populations, including Huntington Beach.
Public safety and nightlife venues
- Nightclub and bar owners should review security plans for busy weekends and holidays like Halloween, increase visible security, and train staff in emergency response.
- Residents and visitors can reduce risk by staying in groups, knowing exits and reporting suspicious behavior to local law enforcement.
Law enforcement coordination
- Local leaders should ensure clear channels among city police, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI Los Angeles field office and federal prosecutors for rapid information-sharing and joint training.
Political and social effects
- For some voters, the case amplifies concerns about homeland security and enforcement against violent extremism; officials may face pressure to seek greater federal support.
- An attack on LGBTQ+ venues is an attack on a community; leaders and groups should promote unity, support threatened populations and avoid partisan division that hinders response.
What local leaders can do now
City officials in Huntington Beach could request a threat briefing from the FBI and federal partners tailored to Orange County, host security workshops for nightlife venues, and review emergency response plans ahead of major weekends.
Ongoing questions and the broader picture
Federal investigators say the arrests prevented an attack, but the case highlights the growing role of encrypted apps and online propaganda in mobilizing small cells. Policymakers face challenges balancing civil liberties with early disruption of violent plots. The investigation remains active as authorities seek additional suspects and examine radicalization pathways (Detroit Free Press coverage).
Sources and reporting links
- KFOX-Tv report
- ABC News
- WXYZ Detroit
- Ferndale Police Department press release
- Detroit Free Press coverage
Reporting notes: This article is based on unsealed federal court complaints, statements from local police and reporting by regional media. The investigation is active and led by the FBI Detroit field office and federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Michigan.
