DOJ Criminal Complaint Against Dearborn Terror Suspects Highlight Intent to Carry Out Nightclub Attack

The 73-page criminal complaint filed by the DOJ [SEE HERE] highlights some of the evidence against the suspects in the intercepted terror attack in Michigan.  Both Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud are residents of Dearborn, Michigan, who the FBI intercepted prior to their carrying out a Halloween terrorist attack against a likely LGBTQ nightclub in the northern suburb of Ferndale.

The complaint outlines an ISIS inspired attack with a foreign collaborator of the two gunman who visited them prior.  Intercepted cell phone communication, encrypted apps, as well as an overseas FBI confidential human source recording conversations about the terror plot are all part of the criminal complaint.

The suspects purchased AR-15 rifles, shotguns, pistols, ammunition and Go-Pro cameras as well as tactical gear in what the FBI calls their advanced planning of the attack.  The suspects also met at a Michigan gun range to practice shooting in advance.  The intercepted communications reflect the intent to target a “nightclub or disco” similar to the Orlando, FL, Pulse Nightclub attack and the Paris, France, Bataclan theater attack.

The lengthy criminal complaint [pdf HERE] outlines a lot of details behind the planning, communication and coordination of the events with several co-conspirators.  This looks like one of the first times we can recall when the FBI intercepted and stopped an Islamic terror plot before the action was physically taken.  Good job FBI!

[VIA FOX] – Two Michigan men have been charged in a foiled ISIS-inspired terror attack that allegedly would have involved a massacre in a Detroit suburb on Halloween, according to an FBI affidavit.

Mohmed Ali, of Dearborn, Michigan, and Majed Mahmoud are accused of plotting to launch a terror-inspired mass shooting codenamed “pumpkin,” according to court documents. They’ve been charged with receiving, transferring and attempting to receive and transfer firearms knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that they would be used to commit terrorism.

Ali practiced shooting at a local gun range multiple times, including with Mahmoud, a juvenile suspect referred to as “Person 1” and under the alias “Athari” — and once with an unnamed “Co-conspirator 4,” according to the complaint.

The charges come after Amir Makled, a lawyer for Ali, who was arrested Friday, claimed to The Associated Press that there was no plot and that he did not expect charges to be filed. Makled did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital Monday.

The men appeared in court on Monday.

William Swor, a defense attorney for Mahmoud, told reporters outside the courthouse he needed more time to review the complaint before commenting. But he said both defendants were 20 years old.

“Well, the complaint is 73 pages long,” he said, in response to multiple questions. “We haven’t had time to digest it or review it. There’s nothing to say at this point.” […] The weapons included a 12-gauge Beretta A300 Ultima Competition shotgun, a Daniel Defense M4 V7 rifle, multiple models of 5.56 rifles from Palmetto State Armory, and a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol. They also bought more than 1,600 5.56 rounds and had it shipped to Mahmoud, according to the affidavit. (read more)

[READ CRIMINAL COMPLAINT HERE]