Feds Arrest Two in Foiled “Pumpkin” Halloween Plot Targeting Ferndale LGBTQ+ Venues
Federal authorities foiled an ISIS-inspired Halloween weekend plot in Ferndale, Michigan, targeting LGBTQ+ venues. Two Dearborn men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, were arrested after FBI search warrants and now face federal terrorism-related firearms charges.
- Two arrests: Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both from Dearborn, were arrested after FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force search warrants executed Oct. 31, 2025; see the Ferndale Police Department press release.
- Targeted venues: The complaint says the plan, codenamed “pumpkin,” focused on LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs along Woodward Avenue near East 9 Mile Road; reported by WXYZ.
- Federal charges and penalties: The men face counts tied to receiving and transferring firearms and ammunition knowing they would be used to commit terrorism; each faces up to 15 years and up to $250,000 in fines if convicted, per reporting from WCYB.
The suspects and charges
Federal court records name Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud as defendants in a complaint filed in the Eastern District of Michigan. The complaint alleges they received and attempted to transfer firearms and ammunition, and conspired to do so, while knowing those weapons would be used to commit an act of terrorism.
Both defendants were described in filings as under the legal drinking age. They appeared in federal court on November 3, 2025, and were ordered held pending a detention hearing scheduled for November 10. Court papers also reference a juvenile participant identified as “Person 1,” who is not publicly named because of age. (Reporting: WCYB.)
Plot details and targets
According to the federal complaint and local reporting, the alleged plot focused on downtown Ferndale nightlife. Investigators say the group scouted three businesses along Woodward Avenue near East 9 Mile Road on the nights of September 19 and 20, 2025 — all identified as LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs that draw large crowds, especially on Halloween weekend. (See WXYZ reporting.)
Community reaction
“I could see that there was potential for lots of damage to be done on (Halloween). Very disturbing that they were looking at a specific date where they know a lot of people would be gathering at a bar.” — Julia Music, executive director of Ferndale PRIDE
Local leaders and business owners expressed both alarm and relief: alarm at the intent to target LGBTQ+ venues, and relief that the plot was disrupted before any injuries occurred. The Ferndale Police Department confirmed collaboration with federal authorities and said the arrests removed any active threat; see the Ferndale Police Department press release.
Investigation and training activity
The complaint alleges the suspects and co-conspirators spent weeks training with weapons. Investigators say the group visited Downriver Guns in Belleville to practice shooting, and surveillance images from the facility show members of the group at the range. Federal agents have described the scheme as motivated by ISIS ideology and listed multiple additional co-conspirators in court papers as the probe continues. (Reporting: WXYZ.)
Law enforcement response and legal steps
The arrests followed search warrants executed by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force on October 31, 2025. After the arrests, FBI agents and the Ferndale Police Department secured the scene and notified local businesses. Federal officials directed additional inquiries to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan and noted that detailed evidence has not been fully released publicly because the investigation is ongoing. (See the Ferndale Police Department press release.)
Context: ISIS-inspired plots and broader threats
Officials characterized the scheme as ISIS-inspired — motivated by the extremist group’s ideology rather than directed by an overseas command. The FBI has prioritized disrupting small, homegrown plots tied to extremist beliefs before they can reach execution. The Ferndale case highlights how local nightlife and community venues can become targets for hate-driven violence and why coordinated federal-local responses are critical. (Reporting: WXYZ.)
Implications for San Luis Obispo
Although the arrests occurred in Michigan, the case has practical implications for cities like San Luis Obispo:
- Economic impact: News of an ISIS-inspired plot targeting LGBTQ+ venues can reduce attendance at themed events and nightlife, potentially hurting ticket sales and local spending. Venue operators should review insurance, staffing, and security for high-attendance nights.
- Political and planning consequences: Local officials may review public safety funding and coordination with federal partners, and consider briefings with FBI field offices to assess readiness.
- Social and cultural effects: Community groups may seek reassurance and joint planning with law enforcement to protect vulnerable populations while preserving civil liberties; organizations might plan solidarity statements or outreach.
- Practical steps for venues and organizers: Reassess visible security, entry screening, emergency response plans, and pre-event public messaging; coordinate threat reporting and safety briefings with local police and advocacy groups.
Sources and further reading
- Ferndale Police Department press release
- WXYZ reporting on Ferndale response and plot details
- WCYB reporting on charges and federal complaint
- KATV reporting on arrests and court proceedings
For San Luis Obispo residents seeking more information, contact local law enforcement or the FBI field office and follow official updates from city and county public safety channels.
