In a disturbing and serious development, 19-year-old Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said from Melvindale, Michigan, has been charged with attempting to carry out a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS against a U.S. military installation in Warren, Michigan. The alleged plot, which involved a detailed and calculated plan to carry out a mass shooting at the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) facility at the Detroit Arsenal, has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a broader conversation about the growing threats posed by homegrown terrorism and the efforts of law enforcement to combat such extremist activities.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Said, who had previously served as a member of the Michigan Army National Guard, is facing multiple federal charges. These charges include attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to the manufacture or use of a destructive device. The case, which was carefully investigated by federal authorities, has raised serious concerns about the increasing threat of domestic extremism and the role of foreign terrorist organizations in influencing individuals to carry out attacks on U.S. soil.

The Plot to Attack TACOM: A Detailed Plan Unveiled

The criminal complaint filed against Said outlines a chilling and detailed plan to attack the TACOM facility, one of the U.S. Army’s critical military installations. Located in Warren, Michigan, the TACOM facility is responsible for the development and maintenance of military vehicles, including tanks and armored vehicles, making it a key target for terrorist organizations like ISIS. The plot, which was reportedly scheduled to take place on May 13, 2025, involved an array of steps designed to ensure the success of the attack.

Federal prosecutors allege that Said had been actively involved in preparing for the assault by providing significant material assistance in the lead-up to the planned attack. This included supplying ammunition and firearms magazines, training undercover law enforcement officers in the use of weapons and the construction of Molotov cocktails, and conducting aerial reconnaissance of the TACOM facility using a drone. According to the criminal complaint, Said also provided a detailed layout of the building to further support the planning of the assault, demonstrating his deep involvement in the operation.

The FBI’s investigation revealed that Said’s actions were methodical and calculated, and he appeared to be well-prepared for the attack. He reportedly used his military experience to assist in the planning and execution of the operation, providing valuable knowledge about military tactics, weaponry, and facility reconnaissance.

A Disturbing Ideology: Extremist Views and Training Videos

Said’s extremist views and commitment to carrying out violence in the name of ISIS were made clear during multiple conversations with undercover law enforcement agents. In one recorded conversation, Said allegedly showed a training video and openly expressed his violent ideology. He reportedly stated, “For us, whether they’re armed or not, it’s shoot-to-kill,” indicating his readiness to commit acts of violence against U.S. military personnel without hesitation.

This sentiment is consistent with the ideology promoted by ISIS and other extremist groups, which encourage their followers to carry out attacks against U.S. citizens, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. Said’s willingness to embrace such a brutal and indiscriminate philosophy underscores the danger posed by individuals who are radicalized by extremist groups and are willing to engage in violent actions to further their cause.

The fact that Said was willing to share this video and express these views to law enforcement agents highlights the ease with which individuals can become influenced by extremist ideologies. It also raises concerns about the effectiveness of current counter-radicalization efforts and the need for more targeted interventions to prevent individuals from becoming radicalized in the first place.

The Arrest: Preventing a Potential Catastrophe

On May 13, the day of the planned attack, authorities arrested Said after he traveled near the TACOM facility and launched a drone in preparation for the assault. The drone, which was reportedly used to gather aerial footage of the facility, was seen as a key part of the plan to execute the attack. According to law enforcement, Said’s actions were both calculated and deliberate, suggesting that he was determined to follow through with the attack.

The arrest came after a months-long investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which involved federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together to track Said’s activities and thwart his plans. The coordinated efforts of these agencies were instrumental in preventing what could have been a devastating attack on a U.S. military facility and the potential loss of life.

Said’s arrest is a testament to the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s counterterrorism efforts, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the constant and evolving threat of terrorism, particularly from individuals who may have been radicalized at home or through online platforms. Law enforcement agencies have emphasized that the threat of domestic terrorism is just as real as international terrorism, and efforts to combat both must continue in tandem.

The Charges: Serious Consequences for Terrorism-Related Crimes

The federal charges against Said are severe and reflect the gravity of his alleged actions. If convicted, Said faces significant prison time, including a maximum sentence of 20 years for each charge. The charges include:

• Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization (18 U.S. Code § 2339B): This charge is based on Said’s alleged efforts to assist ISIS in carrying out an attack against a U.S. military facility. Providing material support to a terrorist organization is a federal offense that carries severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 20 years.
• Distributing Information Related to the Manufacture or Use of a Destructive Device (18 U.S. Code § 842(p)): This charge relates to Said’s actions in distributing information about the use of weapons and explosives to further the planning of the attack. This crime carries significant penalties, including prison time.
• Attempting to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction (18 U.S. Code § 2332a): While not explicitly mentioned in the complaint, this charge could be added if prosecutors can prove that Said intended to use explosives or firearms to cause mass casualties or destruction. This charge carries a potential life sentence.

The severity of the charges reflects the seriousness with which the U.S. government treats terrorism-related offenses. The penalties for such crimes are designed to deter individuals from engaging in terrorist activities and to ensure that those who do are held accountable for their actions.

The Growing Threat of Domestic Extremism

The arrest of Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said is a stark reminder of the growing threat of domestic extremism in the United States. While ISIS and other foreign terrorist organizations have long been a source of concern for U.S. law enforcement, recent years have seen an alarming rise in the number of individuals who are radicalized within the U.S. and carry out violent acts without direct support from foreign groups.

The rise of social media and online platforms has made it easier for extremist ideologies to spread, allowing individuals like Said to access radical content, connect with like-minded individuals, and plan attacks without ever leaving their homes. This has made combating domestic terrorism an increasingly complex challenge for law enforcement agencies, which must not only track individuals who are planning attacks but also work to prevent radicalization before it leads to violence.

To address this growing threat, experts emphasize the need for more robust counterterrorism measures, including greater cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, increased surveillance of online platforms, and more resources for counter-radicalization programs. Additionally, experts argue that addressing the root causes of extremism, such as social isolation, mental health issues, and political grievances, is critical to preventing future attacks.

The Future Implications: Preventing Future Attacks

The case of Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said highlights several important issues in the fight against terrorism and extremism. First and foremost, it underscores the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies at all levels. The successful thwarting of Said’s plot demonstrates the effectiveness of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the value of inter-agency cooperation in preventing domestic terrorism.

Second, Said’s arrest emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to counter radicalization and prevent individuals from being drawn into extremist ideologies. Law enforcement and community organizations must work together to identify individuals at risk of radicalization and provide them with the support and resources they need to resist extremist influences.

Finally, the case serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the terrorism threat in the U.S. As extremist groups adapt to new technologies and methods of communication, law enforcement must remain agile and proactive in their efforts to prevent attacks and protect American citizens.

Conclusion: A Sobering Reminder of the Ongoing Terrorist Threat

The arrest of Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in the United States, both from foreign organizations like ISIS and from individuals radicalized within the country. While the authorities’ quick response and successful intervention in this case prevented a potential tragedy, the threat remains constant, and the fight against terrorism is far from over.

As law enforcement agencies continue to investigate this case and bring those responsible to justice, the lessons learned from this incident must be applied to future counterterrorism efforts. The United States must remain vigilant, proactive, and united in its fight against extremism and violence, ensuring that the tragic loss of life that could have resulted from this plot is avoided in the future.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the FBI or local authorities.