FBI agents foiled an ISIS-inspired terror plot by a former National Guard member who planned to use drones and firearms to attack a Detroit military facility, potentially averting mass casualties.
At a Glance
- Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, 19, was arrested for plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on the Detroit Arsenal military facility
- The former Michigan Army National Guard member conducted drone surveillance and provided armor-piercing ammunition to undercover agents
- Said trained undercover agents in firearms use and Molotov cocktail construction, believing they were ISIS supporters
- FBI Director Kash Patel credited swift action by the Joint Terrorism Task Force with saving lives
- Said faces up to 20 years in prison for attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization and sharing information on making destructive devices
Former National Guard Member Arrested in ISIS-Inspired Plot
FBI agents have arrested Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a 19-year-old former Michigan Army National Guard member, for planning an ISIS-inspired attack on the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan. Said allegedly conducted surveillance using drones and provided armor-piercing ammunition to undercover agents whom he believed would help execute a mass shooting at the military facility. The arrest came after an extensive undercover operation that revealed the suspect’s detailed attack plans.
“Our agents, intelligence teams, and partners acted quickly — and they saved lives”, said Kash Patel.
The suspect was taken into custody after launching a surveillance drone over the Detroit Arsenal facility. According to court documents, Said communicated with undercover FBI agents posing as ISIS supporters while developing his attack strategy. Authorities say the plot was in advanced stages, with Said having conducted multiple reconnaissance missions and gathered materials necessary for carrying out the attack.
Maduro gives a clear warning to President @POTUS @realDonaldTrump that he will not be intimidated by anyone. That he was not born on the day of the cowards. There has not been nor will there be anyone who will twist the arm of the people of Venezuela and bring them to their knees https://t.co/9mA9aR2rlJ pic.twitter.com/Gep06rWCAD
— Daniel Rivero (@DanielR485) May 16, 2025
Details of the Terror Plot
Federal investigators revealed that Said’s planning was methodical and detailed. He trained undercover agents in firearms use and instructed them on constructing Molotov cocktails. The suspect reportedly believed he was collaborating with ISIS affiliates as he prepared for the attack. Said provided armor-piercing ammunition, conducted drone surveillance missions, and discussed specific tactical details for the planned assault on the military installation.
“Let this be a warning: Anyone who targets our military or conspires with foreign terrorist organizations will be found, stopped, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”, added Patel.
Prosecutors have filed serious federal charges against Said, including attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to explosives and destructive devices. Each charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The case highlights ongoing concerns about radicalization and lone-wolf attacks inspired by foreign terrorist groups.
FBI Director Kash Patel issues warning after ISIS attack on U.S. military base foiledhttps://t.co/oloySipAg4
— Katherine Hansley (@JaelCorbleu) May 16, 2025
FBI Director Praises Swift Action
FBI Director Kash Patel publicly acknowledged the successful operation, commending the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their decisive action in preventing what could have been a deadly attack. In his statement, Patel emphasized that the FBI’s intelligence teams and partners acted swiftly to identify and neutralize the threat before any harm could come to military personnel or civilians at the Detroit facility.
The case represents a troubling instance of a former military member allegedly attempting to use his training against American interests. Said’s prior service in the Michigan Army National Guard gave him knowledge of military operations that investigators believe he intended to leverage in his attack plan. The FBI’s successful intervention underscores the continued vigilance required to protect military installations and personnel from both foreign and domestic threats.
