FBI says Dearborn, Inkster residents are under "no threat" after touting thwarted "potential terrorist attack"
An investigation continues into Friday afternoon in Metro Detroit as the Federal Bureau of Investigation looks into what it calls a "potential terrorist attack" that was planned for over Halloween weekend.
FBI Director Kash Patel issued a social media post Friday morning saying, "This morning the FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects in Michigan who were allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend." About that time, Dearborn police confirmed that the FBI was in their city. Later in the day, Inkster police said the FBI had been working on law enforcement actions at a storage facility on Michigan Avenue in their city.
"There is no current threat to public safety," the FBI said.
Other local law enforcement agencies referred media questions to the FBI, but CBS News Detroit has confirmed that five individuals between the ages of 16 and 20 were taken into custody. They were found at three homes, two in Dearborn and one in Inkster. Sources also said this was an ISIS-inspired plot, and the raids in both cities were promoted by online conversations.
"We are aware of reports regarding a federal investigation and arrests in Michigan. At this time, there is no indication of any immediate threat to the City of Dearborn," said Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. "We understand the concern such news can cause, and we are monitoring developments closely. As we learn more and verify information through official channels, we will share updates with our residents. Our focus remains on keeping our community safe and informed."
Agencies that were at one or both scenes include Michigan State Police, FBI, and SWAT teams from Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis and Cincinnati.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Friday, "As details continue to develop, I am grateful for the swift action of the FBI and MSP protecting Michiganders."
In May, federal authorities foiled an alleged planned attack intended to take place in Warren. Authorities say the five people arrested Friday were inspired by Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, who was arrested in May for allegedly planning an attack at the U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command facility at the Detroit Arsenal.
In regards to Halloween activities on Friday night in the cities where the FBI was working this investigation, both police departments have issued statements.
Inkster Police Chief Tamika L. Jenkins said the Inkster Police Department "will have additional personnel deployed throughout the evening to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, particularly those participating in Halloween festivities."
And Dearborn police said in a social media post: "Our officers will be out in neighborhoods throughout the evening to help keep all our little ghosts and goblins safe while they trick-or-treat."