FBI thwarts potential Halloween weekend terror attack in Michigan
The FBI has thwarted a potential Halloween weekend terrorist attack in Michigan, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
"Multiple subjects" have been arrested after "allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend," Patel said Friday on social media. Patel said the plot was connected to "international terrorism."
The FBI took action after undercover operatives monitored online communications from a number of suspects in a chat group, sources told ABC News. The alleged plot involved firearms and could be tied to a foreign terrorist organization, law enforcement sources said.
The suspects had engaged in firearms training, and law enforcement decided to take action after the suspects mentioned "pumpkin day," which investigators believe was a reference to Halloween, sources said.
The suspects' ages range from 16 to 20, according to sources. At least two people have been arrested and three have been taken in for questioning.
White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Seb Gorka said authorities stopped a "Jihadi terror plot in Detroit."
The alleged attack was "timed for Halloween when innocent children should be enjoying themselves Trick or Treating," Gorka said on social media.
A spokesperson for the FBI Detroit field office confirmed there was law enforcement activity in Dearborn and Inkster on Friday.
"There is no current threat to public safety," the spokesperson added.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was briefed by the FBI and thanked law enforcement for their involvement.
