Federal Authorities Foil ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot by Former National Guard Soldier Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said
In a chilling reminder of the persistent and evolving threat posed by domestic radicalization, federal authorities in the United States have charged 19-year-old Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, with plotting a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS. The attack was intended to target the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) facility in Warren, Michigan, a critical U.S. military installation that plays a central role in the Army’s logistics and vehicle support operations. The potential consequences of Said’s planned attack could have been devastating, but thanks to a swift and coordinated intervention by law enforcement, the plot was foiled before it could come to fruition.
Said was arrested on May 13, 2025, the very day he intended to execute the attack. Federal officials confirmed that his plot was intercepted thanks to the efforts of two undercover law enforcement agents who had been monitoring and engaging with Said since April. These agents, posing as fellow ISIS sympathizers, were able to infiltrate the young man’s plans, preventing what could have been a catastrophic event. Said’s arrest highlights the continuing and growing threat of homegrown terrorism, as well as the critical importance of intelligence and counterterrorism efforts in safeguarding U.S. national security.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Said’s motivations were rooted in his allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Investigators revealed that Said had openly communicated his support for ISIS and had actively sought to carry out an attack on U.S. soil in the name of jihad. This included plans to strike military personnel and critical infrastructure, particularly the TACOM facility, which houses key components of the U.S. Army’s vehicle support operations. Given the importance of the TACOM base, its targeting would have represented a significant blow to U.S. military capabilities if carried out.
The charges against Said are serious and carry significant legal consequences. He faces federal charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to the construction or use of a destructive device. Both of these charges are felony offenses under U.S. law, and if convicted, Said could face lengthy prison sentences. The attempted attack and the steps Said took to prepare for it reveal a level of planning and determination that underscores the gravity of the threat he posed. His ability to access military-grade information and equipment made him an especially dangerous actor in this case, as his background in the Michigan Army National Guard gave him an intimate knowledge of military procedures and tactics.
Investigators revealed that Said had taken several concrete steps in preparation for the attack. One of the most alarming aspects of his plan was the surveillance he conducted of the TACOM facility. Said flew a drone over the military installation to conduct reconnaissance, gathering information on potential vulnerabilities and weak points that could be exploited during the attack. This use of advanced technology to monitor military sites is a concerning trend in modern terrorism, as it indicates a level of sophistication and strategic thinking that is harder to detect and prevent.
In addition to the reconnaissance, Said coordinated with undercover law enforcement agents, whom he believed were fellow ISIS operatives, to acquire weapons and explosives for the planned assault. He provided armor-piercing ammunition and even demonstrated how to make Molotov cocktails—homemade incendiary devices designed to be used in the attack. This further indicated the level of preparation and the degree to which Said was willing to go to carry out the attack. In a particularly unsettling move, Said also trained the undercover agents in the use of firearms and explosives, showing how serious and calculated he was in his pursuit of violence. These actions elevated the threat level significantly and reinforced the need for rapid intervention.
Said’s background as a former soldier with the Michigan Army National Guard made the situation even more dire. His military training provided him with a distinct advantage, as he was familiar with military protocols, tactics, and vulnerabilities. This insider knowledge would have made him a more effective and dangerous terrorist if his plans had been allowed to unfold. The training and expertise that Said gained during his time in the National Guard would have given him the tools to carry out a highly effective attack, making the need for intervention even more urgent.
Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, commanding general of Army Counterintelligence Command, spoke out about the gravity of the situation, emphasizing how critical it is to remain vigilant in identifying and preventing domestic threats. “The arrest of a former soldier for planning a terrorist attack is a sobering reminder of the importance of our counterintelligence efforts to identify and disrupt those who would seek to harm our nation,” Cox stated. “We urge all Soldiers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The safety and security of our Army—and our nation—depends on our collective efforts to prevent insider threats.”
The arrest of Said has reverberated through both his hometown of Melvindale, Michigan, and the broader Michigan military network. Local authorities and law enforcement have expressed shock and concern over the fact that someone with military training and experience could be driven to such violence. The situation has raised questions about the potential for domestic radicalization, especially when it intersects with individuals who possess military knowledge or access to sensitive information.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, who is overseeing the case, emphasized the severity of the charges and made it clear that the federal government would not tolerate such actions. “Assistance to ISIS is a reprehensible crime and a threat to our entire nation,” Gorgon said in a statement. “Our office will not tolerate such crimes or threats, and we will use the full weight of the law against anyone who engages in terrorism.”
Said’s arrest has sparked conversations about the ongoing threat posed by domestic radicalization and the importance of counterterrorism measures to identify potential threats before they can be acted upon. While his actions were thwarted before any harm could be done, the case serves as a reminder of the persistence of extremist ideologies and the risks posed by individuals who become radicalized within the U.S. The fact that Said was able to access military-grade knowledge and weapons highlights the need for greater vigilance and enhanced efforts to track and prevent domestic terrorism.
As Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said awaits arraignment and the legal process moves forward, federal authorities continue to investigate the full extent of his connections to ISIS and whether there are additional targets or accomplices involved in the plot. The case underscores the critical role of intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and counterterrorism efforts in preventing attacks before they occur and protecting the safety and security of the nation. While this attack was successfully prevented, the threat of domestic radicalization remains a pressing issue that requires ongoing attention and action.
Said’s plot may have been foiled, but it is a stark reminder of the need to remain vigilant in the face of evolving threats. The role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in identifying and neutralizing potential terrorist activities cannot be overstated. Thanks to the timely intervention of undercover agents and the continued efforts of federal authorities, a tragedy has been averted, and the U.S. is once again reminded of the importance of vigilance in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
The post Federal Authorities Foil ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot by Former National Guard Soldier Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
