FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Friday that agents prevented a “potential terrorist attack in Michigan before it could unfold,” citing coordinated efforts with law enforcement partners. The agency disrupted a violent plot linked to international terrorism, with Patel emphasizing, “This is what defending the homeland looks like — vigilance saves lives.”

The FBI intervened after undercover operatives monitored online communications within a chat group involving suspects, according to sources. Law enforcement revealed the alleged plot involved firearms and may have ties to a foreign terrorist organization. Suspects were observed engaging in firearms training, with investigators identifying “pumpkin day” as a reference to Halloween, the timing of the planned attack.

The suspects, aged 16 to 20, included at least two arrested individuals and three taken for questioning. White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Seb Gorka described the operation as stopping a “Jihadi terror plot in Detroit,” noting the attack was timed for Halloween when children would be trick-or-treating. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reiterated the agency’s commitment to homeland security, stating, “Protecting the Homeland is our top priority. We will not rest.”

The Dearborn Police Department confirmed the FBI’s actions in the city but assured residents there was no ongoing threat. CBS News reported that an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force member discovered two teenagers in an online ISIS chat room. However, no concrete plot emerged from the discussions. Authorities noted ties to a previous case involving Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a 19-year-old Michigan Army National Guard member arrested in May for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired attack on a Detroit military facility.

The FBI stated the plot lacked a clear plan and was under surveillance for an extended period. No arrests or charges were reported beyond the initial detentions.