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DOJ Intervenes Efficiently to Disrupt ISIS-Linked Halloween Terror Plot Aimed at Jewish Communities
Federal prosecutors confirm the FBI has dismantled an ISIS-affiliated network that spans from Michigan to New Jersey. This operation resulted in the arrest of several young men amid ongoing investigations into a coordinated plan for a Halloween mass shooting. These individuals also sought to join forces with the Islamic State abroad.
The FBI charged Tomas Jimenez-Guzel, a 19-year-old from Montclair, New Jersey, alongside Saed Mirreh, 19, from Kent, Washington, in connection with a New Jersey case. Their arrests occurred this week, linking them to previously charged individuals in Michigan.
On Wednesday, the Justice Department outlined these new charges, identifying the case as a comprehensive federal investigation into extremists utilizing encrypted messaging for communication. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that the New Jersey defendants had pledged their allegiance to ISIS and maintained frequent contact with the Michigan cell.
Habba emphasized the department’s commitment during a press briefing on Friday. She said they would act swiftly and resolutely against any threats posed by terrorism or hate towards American communities. The threat of terrorism is genuine and requires fast, focused, and coordinated responses from law enforcement agencies.
A 93-page complaint filed on November 5 details charges against Ayob Asamil Nasser and brothers Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS. Prosecutors allege this trio hoarded firearms, including AR-15-style rifles, shotguns, and handguns, along with approximately 1,680 rounds of ammunition. They referred to their plan as “pumpkin,” a code name for the intended Halloween attack.
In addition to the Michigan defendants, Milo Sedarat, a 21-year-old from New Jersey, also faces charges. Agents revealed that these suspects trained at shooting ranges in the Detroit area, shared ISIS propaganda, and discussed potential targets, including LGBTQ bars in Ferndale and a Jewish community center. During raids conducted on October 31, FBI agents confiscated tactical vests, GoPro cameras, and ammunition magazines from multiple locations, including homes and a U-Haul storage facility.
In Newark, both Jimenez-Guzel and Mirreh confront charges of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as reported by the Associated Press. Furthermore, Jimenez-Guzel faces an attempt charge after his arrest at Newark Liberty International Airport when he allegedly attempted to fly to Turkey on a route to Syria.
Court documents referenced by the Associated Press indicate that these individuals’ travel plans accelerated following the October 31 arrests of several suspects in Michigan, with whom they had been in contact.
We will not relent in our efforts, said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. in Detroit. His statement reflects the determination to trace the roots of extremism wherever they may lead.
FBI Detroit’s Special Agent Jennifer Runyan reaffirmed her team’s dedication to investigating, apprehending, and thwarting any plots intending to cause harm against the homeland. Habba praised the collaborative approach between the Michigan and New Jersey offices as a model for combating extremist threats.
Both cases document encrypted WhatsApp discussions labeled “Muslimeen,” where suspects allegedly exchanged ISIS materials, arranged firearms training, and outlined the planned timeline. Authorities suspect that the two groups were interconnected, with some members plotting domestic acts of violence while others aimed to join ISIS overseas.
The Michigan defendants remain in custody in Detroit, while Jimenez-Guzel and Mirreh appeared in courts located in Newark and Seattle. All individuals involved face serious charges related to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, with additional minor cases possibly sealed.
It is essential to note that a criminal complaint merely presents allegations. All defendants retain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
Contributions provided by Michael Ruiz of Fox News Digital and the Associated Press.
