By Harshit, DETROIT, Nov. 2 8:15 AM EDT
Federal authorities said Friday that they have disrupted a potential ISIS-inspired terror attack planned for Halloween weekend, arresting multiple suspects across Michigan after an undercover operation exposed an online group plotting violence.
Online Chatroom Discussions Turned Dangerous
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the operation began months ago when agents uncovered an online chatroom where participants were discussing plans for a potential ISIS-inspired attack inside the United States. The suspects reportedly exchanged messages about weapons, timing, and possible targets, though no specific location had been confirmed.
“This morning the FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects in Michigan who were allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend. More details to come,” Patel wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Officials told CNN that the discussions took a concerning turn this week when the group traveled to a local shooting range, where they used AK-47 rifles, practiced high-speed reloads, and reportedly made cryptic references to “pumpkin day” — believed to mean Halloween.
Undercover Operation and Swift Action
An FBI undercover operative had been introduced to the chatroom during the early stages of the investigation, according to one law enforcement source. When members began taking steps toward a potential attack, federal agents moved quickly.
“The FBI swept out from the Detroit field office last night and through this morning, taking people into custody, executing search warrants, and seizing phones, computers, and other materials,” said John Miller, CNN’s chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst.
He added that the suspects were communicating both domestically and with possible overseas ISIS contacts, which heightened the urgency of the case.
FBI Raids in Dearborn and Inkster
FBI agents were seen outside several homes in Dearborn early Friday morning, along with a storage facility in Inkster, authorities confirmed.
“The FBI in Michigan were present in the cities of Dearborn and Inkster this morning conducting law enforcement activities,” said FBI spokesperson Jordan Hall, emphasizing that “there is no current threat to public safety.”
In Inkster, Police Chief Tamika L. Jenkins said the FBI’s operation at a storage site on Michigan Avenue was precautionary. “There is no threat to residents,” Jenkins said, adding that extra patrols would be deployed during Halloween festivities to ensure safety.
Community Reassurance and Political Response
The Dearborn Police Department echoed the message, confirming awareness of the FBI’s actions and reassuring residents that “there is no threat to the community at this time.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also praised federal and state agencies for their rapid intervention. “As details continue to develop, I am grateful for the swift action of the FBI and MSP protecting Michiganders,” Whitmer said in a statement on X.
Ongoing Investigation
At least two participants have been arrested, and three others are being questioned, officials confirmed. Authorities are continuing to examine digital evidence seized from the suspects’ homes and online accounts.
While investigators have not disclosed a specific target or motive, the operation highlights the persistent risk of online radicalization and the role of social media in terrorist recruitment and planning.
The FBI said further details, including the names and charges of the arrested individuals, will be released once the investigation advances.