A 19-year-old former Michigan Army National Guard member finds himself at the center of a thwarted terrorist plot targeting a critical U.S. military installation.
According to American Military News, Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said was arrested and charged with planning a mass shooting at the U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command facility in Warren, Michigan, allegedly in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
The Justice Department unveiled charges against Said for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to destructive devices. FBI counterterrorism officials worked with undercover agents to expose Said's detailed planning, which included reconnaissance drone flights and weapons training preparation.
Complex Plot Details Emerge from Investigation
Justice Department officials revealed the intricate nature of Said's alleged attack preparations, which began taking shape in April 2025. The former National Guard member reportedly shared his plans with two undercover law enforcement officials, believing they would help execute the attack under ISIS direction.
Said's involvement extended far beyond mere planning stages. He actively gathered resources, including armor-piercing ammunition and magazines, while conducting surveillance operations using drones over the TACOM facility. The suspect also provided weapons training and instructions for creating improvised explosive devices.
Law enforcement maintained close surveillance of Said's activities, tracking his movements and gathering evidence of his preparations. Their patience paid off when they arrested him on May 13, the day he had designated for the attack, as he launched a drone near the military installation.
Law Enforcement's Swift Response Prevents Tragedy
Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, praised the coordinated effort that prevented potential casualties.
Her statement highlighted the gravity of the situation and emphasized the department's commitment to protecting service members:
This defendant is charged with planning a deadly attack on a U.S. military base here at home for ISIS. Thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, we foiled the attack before lives were lost. We will not hesitate to bring the full force of the Department to find and prosecute those who seek to harm our men and women in the military and to protect all Americans.
The investigation demonstrated the effectiveness of undercover operations in counterterrorism efforts. FBI agents maintained their cover while gathering crucial evidence of Said's intentions and capabilities, leading to his arrest at a critical moment.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Federal prosecutors have built their case around Said's extensive preparation and material support for the planned attack. The charges against him carry serious penalties, with each count potentially resulting in up to 20 years of imprisonment if he is convicted.
FBI Counterterrorism Division Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead emphasized the bureau's ongoing commitment to preventing terrorist attacks. His statement reinforced the FBI's dedication to protecting both domestic and international U.S. interests from terrorist threats.
The case has drawn attention to the continuing threat of ISIS-inspired attacks on American soil. Security experts note that military installations remain attractive targets for terrorist organizations and their sympathizers.
Case Summary and Future Implications
Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said faces federal terrorism charges for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the TACOM facility in Warren, Michigan. The former Michigan National Guard member's arrest came after months of surveillance and undercover work by federal law enforcement agencies.
The Justice Department's case against Said includes evidence of detailed attack preparations, weapons procurement, and operational planning. If convicted, he faces decades in prison for his alleged attempt to support ISIS through an attack on U.S. military personnel and facilities.