FBI authorities have arrested five ISIS-inspired terrorists who were plotting coordinated attacks on American families during Halloween celebrations, demonstrating how radical Islamic extremism continues to threaten our homeland security.
Story Highlights
- Five teenagers arrested for ISIS-inspired Halloween terror plot targeting LGBTQ venues and amusement parks.
- Michigan suspects purchased firearms and practiced at gun ranges while planning coordinated attacks.
- New Jersey terrorist caught attempting to flee to Syria via Turkey to join ISIS training camps.
- FBI surveillance and Cedar Point security cooperation prevented a potential mass casualty event.
FBI Thwarts ISIS Halloween Terror Plot
Federal prosecutors in New Jersey and Michigan announced charges against three additional suspects connected to an alleged ISIS-inspired Halloween attack plot.
The arrests of Tomas Kaan Guzel and Milo Sedanet, both 19-year-old New Jersey residents, and Ayob Nasser, 19, from Dearborn, Michigan, bring the total number of arrested conspirators to five. These arrests follow the October 31 detention of Nasser’s brother, Mohmed Ali, and Majed Mahmoud, also from Dearborn.
NEW: More on the thwarted Halloween terror plot — six suspects now charged in 3 states. Two of them had tickets to Turkey and were already on FBI's radar. Allegedly joked about FBI reading their group chat and blurred their own faces while sharing jihadi-style selfies. pic.twitter.com/F0vDedhnSz
— Michael Ruiz (@mikerreports) November 6, 2025
Coordinated Weapons Training and Target Selection
According to the 92-page federal complaint, the Michigan suspects demonstrated serious preparation by purchasing firearms, accessories, and ammunition while regularly practicing at shooting ranges to develop their skills for the planned attack.
The terrorists used encrypted communications and social media to share ISIS propaganda and extremist materials, referring to their plot using the code word “pumpkin.” Their coordination across state lines reveals the sophisticated nature of this domestic terror network.
The suspects conducted reconnaissance missions in mid-September, with Ali, Mahmoud, and an unidentified juvenile scouting nightclub locations in Ferndale, Michigan, that cater to LGBTQ communities.
Ali specifically researched venues targeting this demographic while studying details about the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando. Simultaneously, Nasser and another juvenile traveled to Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio, searching online for Halloween weekend crowd patterns.
International Terror Network Connections
NYPD undercover officers monitored Guzel’s communications with the Michigan cell and overseas ISIS operatives, revealing plans to attack Detroit’s LGBTQ community and aspirations to travel to Syria for terrorist training.
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba disclosed that Guzel intended to travel to Turkey before proceeding to Syria, but accelerated his timeline after becoming suspicious following last week’s arrests. Evidence includes photographs of Guzel posing with knives in front of ISIS flags.
The investigation uncovered Sedanet’s pattern of antisemitic messaging and violence advocacy, supported by his collection of knives, swords, and tactical gear.
Federal authorities conducted searches in Montclair, New Jersey, and Seattle, Washington, as part of the broader investigation. The charges include conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS and possession of firearms intended for terrorist acts, demonstrating the serious federal penalties these domestic enemies face.
