Newark, NJ — Two New Jersey men were arrested this week in connection with an alleged terror plot near Detroit planned for Halloween weekend, while a third man in Michigan faces federal charges tied to the same case, according to officials.
Federal authorities said the arrests are part of a broader investigation into a planned attack connected to the Islamic State (ISIS). So far, five individuals — including three adults and two juveniles — have been identified in the case.
Arrests in New Jersey and Michigan
Law enforcement officials told NBC News that 19-year-old Tomas Kaan Jimenez-Guzal and Milo Sedarat, both of Montclair, New Jersey, were arrested this week. Jimenez-Guzal was taken into custody Tuesday at Newark Liberty International Airport, while Sedarat was arrested Wednesday.
According to prosecutors, Jimenez-Guzal was charged with two terror-related counts — conspiracy and attempt to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Sedarat faces two counts of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.
A third man, Ayob Nasser, was arrested in Michigan. He is the brother of Mohmed Ali, one of the suspects previously charged. Nasser’s arrest brings the total number of suspects in the Detroit-area plot to five.
“Nasser, Ali, and Majed Mahmoud are all charged with conspiring to provide material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, the Islamic State group,” prosecutors wrote in the amended complaint.
According to NBC News, Jimenez-Guzal allegedly expressed interest in training with ISIS and planned to fly to Turkey to reach Syria. His flight was initially scheduled for November 17, but officials say he moved the date earlier after a federal raid in Detroit disrupted the alleged plot.
He was arrested inside an airport food court, moments before boarding his flight.
Weapons, Surveillance, and the Alleged Plan
Court filings detail how Ali, Mahmoud, and Nasser allegedly purchased firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear between August and October.
During searches of their homes and a rented storage unit, investigators recovered:
- Two shotguns and multiple AR-15-style rifles
- Four handguns and tactical vests
- 1,600 rounds of ammunition
- Two GoPro cameras and chest-rig vests
- 24 empty magazines
Investigators said one of the rifles contained a “forced reset trigger” designed to increase the rate of fire.
Forensic evidence also linked the suspects to gun range visits in September and October, where they practiced shooting with a juvenile accomplice.
“The evidence suggests the defendants were preparing for a coordinated attack,” federal agents said in the court filings.
The complaint further alleges that the group scouted potential targets in Ferndale, Michigan, a city known for its busy nightlife district of bars and restaurants.
Online Communications and Extremist Influence
Court documents revealed that the group’s online search history included extremist propaganda and references to past attacks, such as the Pulse nightclub shooting, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the New Orleans truck attack.
One juvenile suspect reportedly searched for information on Anwar al-Awlaki, a cleric with ties to the 9/11 hijackers. Text exchanges between Nasser, Ali, and two juveniles also contained coded discussions about “fireworks” and “pumpkins,” which investigators believe were references to Halloween or New Year’s Eve attacks.
“A forensic analysis of a computer found in the suspects’ home revealed a search query for ‘is it crowded on halloweekend at [amusement park],’” the complaint said.
FBI Response and Public Safety
The FBI confirmed that the arrests likely prevented a mass-casualty event in the Detroit area.
“The FBI acted fast, followed the evidence, and likely saved countless lives,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a public statement.
Authorities continue to investigate whether additional suspects or networks were involved in the plot. Prosecutors say they will seek federal terrorism enhancements as the case moves forward.
What are your thoughts on this developing case and the role of law enforcement in preventing extremist attacks? Share your views in the comments below.
