FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Friday that the agency intercepted a “potential terrorist attack in Michigan before it could unfold,” citing coordinated efforts with law enforcement partners. Patel stated, “Thanks to swift action and coordination with our partners, a violent plot tied to international terrorism was disrupted. This is what defending the homeland looks like — vigilance saves lives.”

The FBI acted after undercover operatives monitored online communications from suspects in a chat group, according to sources. The alleged plan involved firearms and may be linked to a foreign terrorist organization, law enforcement said. Suspects were observed engaging in firearms training, with investigators noting references to “pumpkin day,” believed to relate to Halloween.

The individuals involved, aged 16 to 20, included at least two arrested and three questioned. White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Seb Gorka described the plot as a “Jihadi terror plot in Detroit,” emphasizing its timing during 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 FBI operations in the city but assured residents there was no immediate threat. CBS News reported that an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force member identified two teenagers discussing ISIS in an online chat room. However, no concrete plan materialized 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. Some suspects in the recent case may have known Said, though the plot remained poorly developed. The FBI had been monitoring online discussions for an extended period without evidence of a real attack.