Feds Arrest Four in Thwarted ISIS-Inspired Halloween Plot Targeting LGBTQ+ Nightclubs in Ferndale; Conspiracy Codenamed “pumpkin”
Federal authorities arrested four suspects in a foiled ISIS-inspired plot to attack LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Ferndale, Michigan, on Halloween. The conspiracy, codenamed “pumpkin,” involved encrypted messaging, weapons stockpiling and surveillance, and practice sessions at gun ranges.
Key takeaways
- Four suspects detained: Initial arrests in Dearborn and two additional arrests in New Jersey and elsewhere; reporting links include CBSAustin, Fox News and WXYZ.
- Operational planning: Conspirators used encrypted apps, purchased AR-15–style rifles and amassed more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition, with practice at ranges and surveillance of Woodward Avenue venues (Fox News; WXYZ; CBSAustin).
- Investigation ongoing: FBI says no current public threat but cautions more arrests possible; authorities continue to review digital chats, travel plans and purchase records (Detroit Free Press; Ferndale Police Department).
Arrests and charges
Federal agents arrested two men in Dearborn on Nov. 3, 2025, later detaining two additional suspects in connection with what prosecutors describe as an ISIS-inspired Halloween terror plot targeting LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Ferndale. The first two charged are Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both 20 and from Dearborn; they face federal charges for receiving and transferring firearms and ammunition with intent to use them to commit an act of terrorism (CBSAustin; KATV).
Two additional men, reported locally as Tomas Kaan Jimenez-Guzal and Milo Sederat, were arrested on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5, 2025. One arrest occurred at a New Jersey airport food court as an individual prepared to board a flight reportedly bound for Turkey to seek training from ISIS or affiliated groups (Detroit Free Press; WXYZ).
Court filings also implicate one juvenile, described in filings as “Person 1”, who has not been publicly identified. All adult defendants are held in federal custody without bail pending hearings. If convicted on the weapons-related terrorism charges, initial defendants face up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 (CBSAustin; KATV).
Plot details and evidence
Federal complaints and local reporting allege the group used encrypted messaging apps to discuss the attack, referring to Halloween as “pumpkin day” and using the codename “pumpkin”. In one quoted message, a conspirator wrote, “I gotta do the pumpkin for real… if [UI] don’t do the pumpkin I’m gonna slit my wrists,”
illustrating fixation and urgency around the plan (WXYZ).
Court filings allege purchases of AR-15–style rifles, additional firearms, tactical gear and more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition. Investigators say suspects practiced at ranges and conducted surveillance of bars and nightclubs along Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, scouting locations on Sept. 19–20, 2025. These actions supported warrants and subsequent arrests (Fox News; WXYZ; CBSAustin).
Motivation and inspirations
Prosecutors say the plot was inspired by ISIS and mirrored prior mass-casualty attacks on entertainment venues, with conspirators citing the Pulse nightclub attack (Orlando, 2016) and the Bataclan theater attack (Paris, 2015) as models. Authorities contend the group deliberately chose LGBTQ+ nightclubs because Halloween draws large, crowded nightlife crowds (Fox News; WXYZ).
Role of law enforcement and public safety
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force led the inquiry, collaborating with the Ferndale Police Department and other local agencies. The NYPD assisted with arrests and coordination for suspects detained outside Michigan. Ferndale police said they executed search warrants on Oct. 31, 2025, and emphasized there is no active public threat, issuing a press release to reassure residents and businesses (Detroit Free Press; Ferndale Police Department; Fox News).
Investigative materials and next steps
Federal criminal complaints contain additional detail available in court records. Investigators continue to analyze digital chats, purchase receipts, travel plans and surveillance footage to determine if more individuals were involved. Authorities warned that further arrests are possible as the probe continues (Ferndale Police Department; Detroit Free Press; WXYZ).
Community reaction in Ferndale
Local officials, business owners and community groups expressed relief and urged calm. Ferndale — known for concentrated LGBTQ+ nightlife along Woodward Avenue — saw business owners say they were grateful for law enforcement action but shaken that venues were targeted. Police and community leaders requested anyone with information contact investigators (WXYZ; Ferndale Police Department).
Implications for San Diego, California
Although the threat was focused in Michigan, the case carries implications for San Diego’s nightlife and public-safety planning. Officials and venue managers should review active-shooter and evacuation plans, coordinate with local law enforcement and federal partners, and communicate clearly with patrons to avoid panic.
Practical steps for San Diego stakeholders:
- Review emergency and evacuation plans for Halloween and other high-attendance events.
- Reconfirm communication lines with the FBI field office in San Diego and Homeland Security liaisons.
- Hold staff drills, share calm public messaging and encourage reporting of suspicious activity.
- Prioritize outreach to vulnerable communities to prevent fear and scapegoating.
Sources and further reading
- CBSAustin: Two Michigan men face charges in thwarted Halloween mass shooting, FBI says
- Fox News: Feds arrest two additional suspects in thwarted ISIS-inspired Halloween plot, source says
- WXYZ: Ferndale responds to alleged foiled terror plot targeting LGBTQ venues
- Detroit Free Press: FBI makes more arrests in alleged Halloween terror plot in Michigan
- KATV: Two Michigan men face charges in thwarted Halloween mass shooting, FBI says
- Ferndale Police Department press release: Public safety notice and coordination with FBI
Reporting note: This story is developing. Federal court records and the full criminal complaint contain additional details and are available for public review. Authorities state there is no current active threat but warned the investigation continues and additional arrests remain possible.
