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Feds Broaden ISIS-Inspired Halloween Plot Case With New Jersey, Washington Arrests and Third Michigan Charge

Prosecutors widened the probe across Michigan, New Jersey, Washington after evidence from encrypted chats, weapons seizures, travel plans raised alarms.

Overview

  • An amended complaint added Ayob Nasser, 19, of Dearborn on material support to ISIS and firearms-for-terrorism counts alongside Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud.
  • New Jersey arrests included Tomas Kaan Jimenez-Guzal, 19, taken at Newark Airport after moving up a flight to Turkey, and Milo Sederat, who was charged with transmitting violent, antisemitic threats.
  • A Washington state suspect, identified by prosecutors as Saed Ali Mirreh, was arrested before a planned flight to Istanbul and charged with conspiracy to support a designated terrorist organization.
  • Court filings say the Michigan group stockpiled AR‑style rifles, other guns and more than 1,600 rounds, practiced at ranges, scouted Ferndale LGBTQ‑friendly bars and used “pumpkin” as a code for a Halloween attack.
  • Officials say the investigation remains active across multiple states with more arrests possible, while defense attorneys have publicly challenged the government’s characterization of the evidence.