Dawn N. Ison, U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice Eastern District Of Michigan
A Melvindale man, Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, has been arrested and charged with attempting to attack a U.S. military base in Warren, Michigan, on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., alongside Sue J. Bai from the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office, and Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox of Army Counterintelligence Command.
Said, 19, is accused of planning a mass shooting at the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) facility at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren. According to the criminal complaint, he allegedly provided material support for the attack by supplying armor-piercing ammunition and magazines, conducting reconnaissance with a drone over TACOM, training undercover officers on firearms and Molotov cocktail construction, and planning details of the attack.
On what was supposed to be the day of the attack, Said was apprehended after launching his drone near TACOM. He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court where prosecutors will seek pretrial detention due to concerns about community safety and flight risk.
“ISIS is a brutal terrorist organization which seeks to kill Americans,” stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “Helping ISIS or any other terrorist organization prepare or carry out acts of violence is not only a reprehensible crime – it is a threat to our entire nation and way of life.”
Sue J. Bai emphasized that law enforcement efforts prevented potential loss of life: “Thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, we foiled the attack before lives were lost.”
Cheyvoryea Gibson highlighted ongoing vigilance: “The FBI in Michigan is unwavering in our mission to safeguard the American people... In strong partnership with the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.”
Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox remarked on counterintelligence efforts: "The arrest...is a sobering reminder... We urge all Soldiers to remain vigilant."
If convicted on all charges related to providing material support and distributing information about destructive devices, Said could face up to 20 years in prison for each count.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Salzenstein along with John Cella and Charles Kovats from the Department of Justice's Counterterrorism Section.
