On October 31, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that it had successfully stopped a violent terrorist plot targeting the Halloween weekend in Michigan. FBI Director Kash Patel broke the news early Friday morning through a post on X (formerly Twitter), praising the quick work of federal agents and local law enforcement.
The Arrests and Initial Announcement
“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. More details to come,” Patel wrote in his initial statement. He followed up later that afternoon with another message: “Through swift action and close coordination with our local partners, a potential act of terror was stopped before it could unfold. The vigilance of this FBI prevented what could have been a tragic attack — and thanks to their dedication, Michigan will have a safe and happy Halloween.”
Five men were taken into custody during early-morning raids in the cities of Dearborn and Inkster, Michigan. According to three senior law enforcement officials who spoke to NBC News on condition of anonymity, the suspects are naturalized U.S. citizens originally from a Middle Eastern country. The same sources revealed that the men had access to firearms and had received firearm training.
Connection to ISIS and the “Pumpkin Day” Plot
The investigation has uncovered a direct link to ISIS extremism, the officials said. The group had reportedly discussed carrying out an attack around Halloween, which they referred to in intercepted conversations as “pumpkin day.” This unusual code name is what pushed the FBI to move in on Friday, even though no exact time or final plan had been locked in.
“The officials said the group had discussed carrying out some sort of terror attack around Halloween — or what they allegedly referred to as ‘pumpkin day.’ That was why the FBI made the arrests Friday, even though it was not immediately clear if the suspects had decided on a set time to try to move forward with any attack.” — NBC News, October 31, 2025
Investigators are still trying to determine whether the five men radicalized themselves online or received direction from overseas ISIS operatives. Two senior officials confirmed that the group had been under surveillance for some time leading up to the arrests.
No Specific Targets Identified—Yet
As of Friday afternoon, no specific locations or individuals had been named as targets. Three senior law enforcement officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing, and agents are combing through phones, computers, and other evidence seized during the raids.
“It was not immediately clear what, if any, specific targets had been identified.” — NBC News, October 31, 2025
Despite the lack of a confirmed target, authorities repeatedly told the public there is no active threat. “Officials stressed there is no current threat to the public,” NBC reported.
Local Response and Confirmation
Dearborn police confirmed the FBI’s presence in a short Facebook post:
“The Dearborn Police Department has been made aware that the FBI conducted operations in the City of Dearborn earlier this morning.” — Dearborn Police Department, October 31, 2025
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was briefed personally by Director Patel. She posted on X:
“I was briefed by FBI Director Patel on the thwarted potential terrorist attack in our state this morning. As details continue to develop, I am grateful for the swift action of the FBI and MSP protecting Michiganders.” — Governor Gretchen Whitmer, October 31, 2025
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel added that state officials were “in consultation with the FBI” throughout the operation.
What We Still Don’t Know
- Names of the suspects: Court documents remain sealed, so the five men have not been publicly identified.
- Exact nature of the planned attack: Beyond the Halloween timing and ISIS inspiration, details about weapons, tactics, or intended scale are not yet released.
- Possible overseas connections: Investigators are checking for any direct contact with ISIS handlers abroad.
A Developing Story
Both Global News and NBC News labeled the situation as “developing,” with more information expected in the coming days. Photos from Dearborn showed FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force members standing guard outside a home as agents carried out search warrants.
For now, Michigan residents—and anyone planning Halloween celebrations—can breathe easier. As Director Patel put it, the arrests ensured the state would have “a safe and happy Halloween.”
