“Operation Pumpkin”: DOJ Foils ISIS-Linked Halloween Terror Plot Targeting Jews in Michigan and New Jersey
Federal authorities say they have dismantled an ISIS-inspired terror network allegedly plotting a coordinated Halloween massacre in suburban Detroit and beyond. According to the Justice Department, the sprawling investigation — spanning Michigan, New Jersey, and Washington — has led to the arrests of at least five young men accused of conspiring to provide material support to ISIS. Among them are Tomas Jimenez-Guzel, 19, and Saed Mirreh, 19, who prosecutors claim pledged allegiance to the terrorist group and communicated with a Michigan cell using encrypted apps. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba revealed that the suspects referred to their plan as “pumpkin,” a chilling code for their intended Halloween attack targeting Jewish centers and LGBTQ establishments. “We will continue to move swiftly and decisively whenever terrorism or hate threatens our communities,” Habba said.
Court documents detail a dark web of radicalization, weapons stockpiling, and encrypted communications under a WhatsApp group named “Muslimeen.” Prosecutors allege that Michigan suspects Ayob Asamil Nasser and brothers Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud amassed rifles, shotguns, handguns, and nearly 1,700 rounds of ammunition while training at Detroit-area gun ranges. Their alleged co-conspirator, Milo Sedarat, reportedly shared ISIS propaganda and extremist imagery online. FBI raids conducted on October 31 uncovered tactical vests, GoPro cameras, and digital evidence linking the suspects to discussions of jihad and martyrdom.
The DOJ’s rapid response drew praise for its coordination between Michigan and New Jersey field offices. “We will not stop. We will follow the tentacles where they lead,” vowed U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., while FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan affirmed that her team would “continue to investigate, arrest, and disrupt all attempts to do harm.” As the case unfolds, officials warn that the plot underscores the continuing threat of homegrown extremism fueled by online radicalization. All defendants remain in custody and face charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization — serious offenses that carry potential life sentences if convicted.
