Feds Arrest Two More in Ferndale LGBTQ+ Terror Plot Thwarted; FBI Says ISIS-Inspired Halloween Attack Codenamed “pumpkin” Stopped
Federal authorities arrested two Dearborn men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, after the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force disrupted an ISIS-inspired plot, codenamed “pumpkin,” that allegedly targeted LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Ferndale over Halloween weekend 2025.
Key takeaways
- Suspects: Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both U.S. citizens from Dearborn; a minor identified as “Person 1” also took part in planning.
- Charges: Federal counts for receiving, transferring and conspiring to transfer firearms/ammunition knowing they would be used in a federal terrorism offense — penalties up to 15 years and fines up to $250,000.
- Disruption: The FBI JTTF says the plot, called “pumpkin,” was stopped on Oct. 31, 2025, preventing a planned attack on LGBTQ+ bars.
- Weapons and evidence: Investigators allege purchases of a shotgun, an AR-15–style rifle, a forced reset trigger and seizures of multiple firearms, tactical gear and more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition.
What authorities say happened
Federal prosecutors and FBI agents describe a small conspiratorial group that embraced ISIS propaganda and planned a mass shooting timed for Halloween. According to the federal criminal complaint, the group used encrypted messaging apps and social media to share extremist material and to coordinate the plot they called “pumpkin.”
The complaint alleges the defendants purchased weapons and a forced reset trigger — a device that can increase the rate of fire for semiautomatic rifles — and trained at shooting ranges and outdoor locations. Searches of residences allegedly yielded multiple rifles, shotguns, handguns, tactical vests and a large cache of ammunition.
“Thanks to coordinated investigative work by the FBI, our JTTF partners and local law enforcement, what could have been a devastating attack was stopped before it began,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said, citing the criminal complaint.
Ferndale police confirmed there was no active threat after the arrests and said local officers worked alongside federal agents through the investigation; see the Ferndale Police Department press release.
Charges and court schedule
Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud were arraigned on federal counts related to weapons transfers and conspiracy to provide firearms intended for a federal terrorism offense. The complaint identifies a younger participant labeled “Person 1,” who was reportedly under the legal drinking age and too young to buy alcohol legally.
If convicted on the weapons and conspiracy counts, the adult defendants face up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Both remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing set for Nov. 10, 2025, according to court records cited by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the criminal complaint. Federal prosecutors say additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Community impact and law enforcement response
The alleged Ferndale LGBTQ+ terror plot alarmed a community that has been building a reputation as a welcoming center for LGBTQ residents and nightlife. Local leaders praised the arrests and called for continued vigilance while urging calm.
Ferndale police said officers coordinated closely with the FBI and carried out the arrest operation without injury to officers or the public. The department advised area businesses and nightlife venues to stay alert and to report suspicious activity; refer to the Ferndale Police Department press release for guidance.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the seriousness of the alleged plot and commended investigators for stopping it before it could cause harm.
Weapons, training and the forced reset trigger
Investigators focused on weapons modification and training. The forced reset trigger device alleged in filings can allow faster follow-up shots in semiautomatic rifles, potentially increasing lethality. Agents described purchases and tests of equipment and practice at shooting ranges as part of the alleged preparation.
Officials say the mix of weapons, ammunition and tactical gear seized in searches justified federal charges connecting firearms transfers to terrorism in this case; the complaint and search-warrant returns are central to the prosecution’s theory.
Encrypted apps, recruitment and radicalization
Court documents allege the suspects consumed and shared ISIS-related propaganda online and used encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate. Prosecutors say digital evidence shows conspirators employed coded language — including calling the plan “pumpkin” — to refer to the planned Halloween attack.
Federal agents have warned that encrypted apps can enable like-minded extremists to plan and recruit while evading standard monitoring; the documents in this case mirror that pattern.
Broader context: domestic threats tied to foreign extremist ideology
This case joins other U.S. incidents that authorities say were inspired by foreign extremist groups, including ISIS. The Justice Department has increasingly pursued charges linking firearms offenses to terrorism when evidence indicates weapons were obtained or used to further an ideologically driven mass-casualty plan.
Civil-rights groups and some local leaders balance gratitude for successful disruptions with calls for care — stressing investigations should target criminal acts, not entire communities, and that civil liberties must be protected as authorities work to disrupt plots.
Implications for The High Desert, California
Local officials and event planners in the High Desert — including Victorville, Hesperia and Apple Valley — should review holiday and nightlife security plans, coordinate with county and federal partners, and ensure venues have visible security, emergency protocols and rapid communications with patrons.
- Public safety & event planning: Review security procedures for large gatherings and holidays.
- Threat awareness: Monitor online chatter and encrypted channels for radicalization or recruitment; public awareness campaigns can encourage reporting without enabling profiling.
- Protecting vulnerable communities: Offer tailored guidance to local LGBTQ+ centers and nightlife venues on de-escalation and cooperation with investigators.
- Interagency coordination: Keep lines open with the FBI (Los Angeles and Sacramento divisions), San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office and federal partners for threat assessments and rapid support.
- Gun access and prevention: Consider safe-storage outreach and partnerships to disrupt illegal weapon sales and shipping of modification devices like forced reset triggers.
Leaders in the High Desert can use this moment to reaffirm support for diversity while strengthening lawful measures to protect public spaces during holidays and nightlife hours.
Source links and reporting
Primary documents and reporting cited in this article include the federal criminal complaint, the Ferndale Police Department press release, and media coverage from Detroit Free Press, ABC News, WXYZ Detroit, KFOX and KATV.
Authorities say the investigation remains active. Prosecutors and FBI agents have urged anyone with information to contact the FBI or local police.
