Michigan lawyer says a Halloween terror plot that FBI Director Kash Patel described never existed

Guno צְבִי

Guno צְבִי

We fight, We win, Am Yisrael Chai
A Michigan defense lawyer is disputing FBI Director Kash Patel's allegations that his 20-year-old client and four other young suspects were planning to carry out a terror attack on Halloween weekend.

Announcing their arrests on Friday, Patel said more information would be coming soon, however the FBI and Michigan authorities have offered few details about the case. Spokespersons for the state and national FBI and the U.S. Attorney in Detroit did not immediately respond to messages Saturday.

The investigation involved discussion in an online chat room involving at least some of the suspects who were taken into custody, according to two people briefed on the investigation who could not publicly discuss details. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The group allegedly discussed carrying out an attack around Halloween, referring to “pumpkin day,” according to one of the people. The other person briefed on the investigation confirmed that there had been a “pumpkin” reference.

However, lawyer Amir Makled, who represents a man from the suburb of Dearborn who was still detained on Saturday, said federal authorities haven't given him many details about the investigation but after reviewing the matter, he concluded that no terror event was planned. He said he doesn’t expect any charges will be filed.


news.yahoo.com

Michigan lawyer says a Halloween terror plot that FBI Director Kash Patel described never existed

A Michigan defense lawyer is disputing FBI Director Kash Patel's allegations that his 20-year-old client and four other young suspects were planning to carry out a terror attack on Halloween weekend. Announcing their arrests on Friday, Patel said more information would be coming soon, however...
news.yahoo.com news.yahoo.com
 
Guno צְבִי said:
A Michigan defense lawyer is disputing FBI Director Kash Patel's allegations that his 20-year-old client and four other young suspects were planning to carry out a terror attack on Halloween weekend.

Announcing their arrests on Friday, Patel said more information would be coming soon, however the FBI and Michigan authorities have offered few details about the case. Spokespersons for the state and national FBI and the U.S. Attorney in Detroit did not immediately respond to messages Saturday.

The investigation involved discussion in an online chat room involving at least some of the suspects who were taken into custody, according to two people briefed on the investigation who could not publicly discuss details. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The group allegedly discussed carrying out an attack around Halloween, referring to “pumpkin day,” according to one of the people. The other person briefed on the investigation confirmed that there had been a “pumpkin” reference.

However, lawyer Amir Makled, who represents a man from the suburb of Dearborn who was still detained on Saturday, said federal authorities haven't given him many details about the investigation but after reviewing the matter, he concluded that no terror event was planned. He said he doesn’t expect any charges will be filed.


news.yahoo.com

Michigan lawyer says a Halloween terror plot that FBI Director Kash Patel described never existed

A Michigan defense lawyer is disputing FBI Director Kash Patel's allegations that his 20-year-old client and four other young suspects were planning to carry out a terror attack on Halloween weekend. Announcing their arrests on Friday, Patel said more information would be coming soon, however...
news.yahoo.com news.yahoo.com
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It's good to be the King and part of the Royal Family's entourage!

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Discovery begins after formal charges, which have now been filed.

Makled can file motions under Rule 16 or for a bill of particulars to force more detailed disclosure.

However, in terrorism cases, the government may withhold or redact information under the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) to protect sources or methods.

Delays and limitations are common, especially early on.

Precedents like U.S. v. Holy Land Foundation show that defense attorneys can eventually obtain redacted investigative files, while cases like U.S. v. Lindh illustrate how sensitivity can delay access. Makled may also move to suppress evidence if the pre-arrest probe violated the Fourth Amendment.

As of November 3, 2025, Amir Makled has not yet filed formal motions such as those under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16 (for discovery), a bill of particulars (to clarify charges), or to suppress evidence from the pre-arrest investigation.
 
The FBI is highly unlikely to arrest on these charges without at least arguable probable cause, as procedural safeguards (e.g., judicial review of warrants, grand jury indictments) and institutional accountability (e.g., internal guidelines under the Attorney General's Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide) make baseless arrests rare and risky.

Violations can lead to evidence suppression, case dismissal, civil suits under Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents (1971), or departmental discipline.

This assessment draws from federal procedure and precedents (searched via web queries for FBI terrorism arrests, dismissals 2020-2025, and specific cases).

FBI arrests in terrorism probes like Dearborn's, preemptive, based on digital intel and weapons, rarely proceed without judicially vetted probable cause (e.g., via Title III wiretaps or FISA, requiring 50%+ likelihood of evidence).

The 72-page complaint (unsealed November 3) details chats, AK-47 training, and ISIS references as cause, making outright dismissal improbable without a Franks hearing (challenging warrant affidavits for falsehoods).
 
Federal authorities seized weapons and other evidence during the FBI raids on October 31, 2025, in Dearborn and Inkster, Michigan.

According to the 72-page criminal complaint unsealed on November 3, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the following items were recovered:
  • 3 AR-15-style rifles
  • 2 shotguns
  • 4 handguns
  • Over 1,600 rounds of AR-15-compatible ammunition (purchased in October 2025)
  • Optical sights
  • Flash suppressor
  • Tactical vests
  • Extended magazines and other firearm components.
  • Multiple electronic devices (phones, laptops, and storage media) — taken for forensic analysis of encrypted chats, ISIS propaganda, and social media activity
  • Firearms training records and range visit documentation (showing group practice)
  • Digital and physical materials referencing ISIS, martyrdom, and target reconnaissance (including maps or photos of LGBTQ+ venues in Ferndale)
The seizure was conducted under search warrants issued by a federal magistrate, meaning a judge found probable cause to believe evidence of a crime would be found.

Source: U.S. v. Momed Ali et al., Case No. 2:25-cr-20751 (E.D. Mich.), criminal complaint and FBI affidavit (publicly unsealed Nov. 3, 2025).
Updates available via PACER or Detroit federal court dockets.

What kind of "gamers" were these, @Nordberg?
 
Encrypted messages are a central piece of evidence in the 72-page criminal complaint (unsealed November 3, 2025, in U.S. v. Momed Ali et al., No. 2:25-cr-20751, E.D. Mich.) against Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud.

They were obtained through FBI surveillance via court-authorized intercepts (e.g., under Title III for wiretaps) or device seizures during the October 31 raids.

The complaint references "access to encrypted chats and other conversations."

The messages span July to October 2025 and involve a group of five individuals (including Ali, Mahmoud, a juvenile "Person 1" under 18, and two other co-conspirators), described as "brothers" inspired by ISIS extremism.

No specific platform (e.g., Telegram or Signal) is named in public documents, but the communications are characterized as occurring "via an encrypted communication application."

The chats allegedly reveal planning for a mass-casualty attack on LGBTQ+-friendly venues in Ferndale, Michigan, timed for Halloween ("pumpkin day") and modeled after the 2015 Paris Bataclan attack (coordinated gunfire on multiple sites).

Discussions involved seeking "guidance from the father of a local Islamic extremist ideologue" who publicly supports ISIS ideology.

  • Per the complaint, FBI used pole-mounted cameras, informant tips, and post-raid device forensics to decrypt and analyze. No details on decryption tools (e.g., Cellebrite), but warrants were judicially approved.
  • Evidentiary Weight: The chats, combined with seized weapons (e.g., AR-15s, 1,600+ rounds) and range visits (five group sessions), form probable cause for charges. They allegedly show "knowing and reasonable cause to believe" the firearms would aid terrorism.

The FBI interprets the content as demonstrating intent to provide material support for terrorism under 18 U.S.C. § 2339A, tied to firearms purchases and scouting.
 
Guno צְבִי said:
A Michigan defense lawyer is disputing FBI Director Kash Patel's allegations that his 20-year-old client and four other young suspects were planning to carry out a terror attack on Halloween weekend.

Announcing their arrests on Friday, Patel said more information would be coming soon, however the FBI and Michigan authorities have offered few details about the case. Spokespersons for the state and national FBI and the U.S. Attorney in Detroit did not immediately respond to messages Saturday.

The investigation involved discussion in an online chat room involving at least some of the suspects who were taken into custody, according to two people briefed on the investigation who could not publicly discuss details. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The group allegedly discussed carrying out an attack around Halloween, referring to “pumpkin day,” according to one of the people. The other person briefed on the investigation confirmed that there had been a “pumpkin” reference.

However, lawyer Amir Makled, who represents a man from the suburb of Dearborn who was still detained on Saturday, said federal authorities haven't given him many details about the investigation but after reviewing the matter, he concluded that no terror event was planned. He said he doesn’t expect any charges will be filed.


news.yahoo.com

Michigan lawyer says a Halloween terror plot that FBI Director Kash Patel described never existed

A Michigan defense lawyer is disputing FBI Director Kash Patel's allegations that his 20-year-old client and four other young suspects were planning to carry out a terror attack on Halloween weekend. Announcing their arrests on Friday, Patel said more information would be coming soon, however...
news.yahoo.com news.yahoo.com
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When the trump administration tries to unfairly railroad a political enemy - it's just another day with a "y" in it!
 
LurchAddams said:
When the trump administration tries to unfairly railroad a political enemy - it's just another day with a "y" in it!
Click to expand...

A group of five individuals (including Ali, Mahmoud, a juvenile "Person 1" under 18, and two other co-conspirators), described as "brothers" inspired by ISIS extremism aren't "political enemies".
 
Guno צְבִי said:
, he concluded that no terror event was planned. He said he doesn’t expect any charges will be filed.
Click to expand...
Looks like he was wrong!

Terrorism charges filed over alleged Halloween plot targeting Michigan LGBTQ+ bars​



The court filing says the two men who were charged, Momed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, and other co-conspirators were inspired by Islamic State extremism. Investigators say a minor was also involved in the discussions.

www.theguardian.com

Terrorism charges filed over alleged Halloween plot targeting Michigan LGBTQ+ bars

Authorities allege two men planned a Halloween-inspired attack motivated by Islamic State extremism
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com

This is far worse than any Proud Boys or KKK threat


Now keep up your support of Muslims that wanted to slaughter people in LGBTQ+ bars in support of ISIS
 
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Nordberg said:
There are people who know them who say they were gamers, talking like young people do. They say there was no plot, and they were not capable of doing it. Patel will cheat to nail them with something.
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And

Friend of Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock describes him as caring person who sought to 'make people happy'​


He was just a real-estate investor, property manager, accountant, private pilot and video poker gambler
 
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