Michigan Teen Accused of Planning ISIS-Inspired Attack on U.S. Military Base

A 19-year-old Michigan man is facing federal terrorism charges after authorities say he plotted a mass shooting at a U.S. military base on behalf of the terrorist group ISIS.

Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, was arrested on May 13, the very day he allegedly planned to carry out the attack at the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, Michigan, part of the Detroit Arsenal.

Federal officials say the plan was foiled thanks to a months-long undercover operation. Said had allegedly shared his intentions with two undercover officers, whom he believed were aligned with ISIS and willing to assist him.

According to court documents, Said:

Provided armor-piercing bullets and loaded magazines for the attack.

Flew a drone over the military base to gather intel.

Trained the undercover officers in firearms use and making Molotov cocktails.

Gave them instructions on how to infiltrate the base and what building to strike.

He was taken into custody after traveling near the base and launching another drone, just hours before the attack was to take place.

“This defendant is charged with planning a deadly attack on a U.S. military base here at home for ISIS,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, we foiled the attack before lives were lost.”

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the agents and partners who worked the case:

“They acted fast — and they saved lives. This is why we do what we do.”

Said now faces charges of attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to a destructive device.

He has been appointed a public defender and is being held in custody until his preliminary court hearing on May 28.

Reference:https://www.cbsnews.com/news/melvindale-michigan-man-accused-attempted-attack-military-base-isis/