A Michigan defense lawyer has rubbished allegations made by FBI Director Kash Patel that a group of young men from the state were plotting to carry out a terrorist attack over the Halloween weekend.
Amir Makled, who represents a 20-year-old Dearborn man still in custody, said federal authorities have provided few details but, based on his review, there was no credible plan for violence. “I don’t know where this hysteria and this fearmongering came from,” Makled said.
Patel had announced the arrests on Friday, writing on social media that the FBI had “thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects in Michigan who were allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend.” He added that more information would be released soon, but as of early Sunday, neither the FBI nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit had elaborated.
Newsweek has reached out to the FBI via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The conflicting accounts highlight ongoing debates regarding public communication by federal authorities and the potential impact of such statements on public trust in law enforcement. Patel has faced widespread criticism previously for his handling of FBI investigation updates, particularly after prematurely announcing and later retracting key details on social media following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, raising concerns about accuracy, professionalism, and the politicization of the Bureau’s communications.
The Michigan incident follows a series of high-profile threats and acts of political violence that have shaped recent discourse on security and civil rights across the U.S.
What To Know
The investigation reportedly involved online chats between at least some of the suspects, who allegedly discussed potential activity around Halloween, referring to “pumpkin day,” according to two unnamed sources who were briefed on the matter and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. One source confirmed there was a reference to “pumpkin,” while the other said there had been discussion of an attack.
Despite the FBI’s public framing, Makled said he does not expect any charges to be filed and reiterated that no actual terror event had been planned.
Makled described the suspects as gamers, all male U.S. citizens ranging in age from 16 to 20. “If these young men were on forums that they should not have been on or things of that nature, then we’ll have to wait and see,” he said. “But I don’t believe that there’s anything illegal about any of the activity they were doing.”
Authorities stated following the arrests that there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
What People Are Saying
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X: “The FBI stopped a potential terrorist attack in Michigan before it could unfold. Thanks to swift action and coordination with our partners, a violent plot tied to international terrorism was disrupted. This is what defending the homeland looks like — vigilance saves lives.”
What Happens Next
Although the FBI confirmed that there was no threat to public safety following the arrests, public attention is expected to remain high as the circumstances surrounding the alleged Halloween terror plot remain unclear.
This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.