THREAT: Ex-Guard’s ISIS Blueprint at Army Base

Silhouette of soldier with rifle at sunset

Former Michigan National Guard Member Arrested for ISIS-Inspired Mass Shooting Plot at Army Base Just Hours Before Planned Attack

Key Takeaways

Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, 19, was arrested on May 13, 2025, after months of FBI surveillance revealed his plot to attack the TACOM Army facility in Warren, Michigan
Said allegedly planned to use assault-style weapons, armor-piercing ammunition, and Molotov cocktails in an ISIS-inspired attack that was thwarted by undercover FBI agents
The suspect conducted drone reconnaissance of the military facility and provided training materials to individuals he believed were ISIS operatives
As a former Michigan Army National Guard member, Said faces up to 20 years in prison on charges of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization
The case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the critical role of undercover operations in preventing domestic attacks

Homegrown Terrorist Threat Exposed

Federal authorities have arrested a 19-year-old former Michigan Army National Guard member who allegedly planned an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at a U.S. military facility. Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said of Melvindale was taken into custody on May 13, 2025, the same day he intended to carry out his attack on the Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) facility in Warren, Michigan. The arrest came after months of surveillance and undercover work by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which began monitoring Said in 2024 after he expressed what officials described as a “longstanding desire to engage in violent jihad.”

According to court documents, Said’s plan involved using assault-style weapons with armor-piercing ammunition and homemade explosive devices in what could have been a devastating attack on American soil. The suspect was arrested immediately after conducting final reconnaissance using a drone near the military base, effectively stopping the plot just hours before it was set to unfold. This case represents yet another example of how Islamic extremism continues to recruit and radicalize American citizens, even those who have served in our military.

Infiltration and Surveillance Operation

The FBI’s investigation into Said began in early 2024, with agents uncovering disturbing evidence during a secret search of his phone in July 2024. The search revealed references to jihad and Islamic State flags, prompting authorities to deploy undercover agents who posed as ISIS supporters to gain Said’s trust. Over several months, these undercover operatives recorded numerous conversations in which Said detailed his plans for the attack, shared handwritten diagrams of the TACOM facility, and provided instructions on how to breach security measures at the base.

“Helping ISIS prepare or carry out acts of violence is a threat to our entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. following the arrest. “The defendant allegedly sought to commit mass murder at a military facility in Michigan in the name of ISIS. Thanks to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, we were able to disrupt this plot before anyone was harmed.”

Said allegedly provided firearms training to the undercover FBI employees and instructed them on constructing explosive devices, including Molotov cocktails. He believed these individuals were ISIS operatives who would assist him in carrying out the attack. The suspect’s willingness to share tactical knowledge and provide material support to what he thought was a terrorist organization forms the basis for the serious federal charges he now faces.

Military Background Raises Serious Concerns

Perhaps most disturbing about this case is Said’s recent service in the Michigan Army National Guard. This background gave him military training and potentially valuable insider knowledge about military facilities and protocols. The fact that someone who swore to protect the United States could allegedly plot to attack it highlights significant concerns about radicalization within military ranks and the vetting processes for service members.

Sue J. Bai, head of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the arrest prevented “a deadly attack on a U.S. military base here at home for ISIS.” Federal prosecutors have requested that Said remain in detention until trial, citing both his danger to the community and flight risk. His first court appearance took place on May 14, 2025, where he faced charges that could result in up to 20 years in federal prison.

Sophisticated Planning Revealed

Court documents detail the alarming sophistication of Said’s plot. The 19-year-old allegedly conducted extensive planning, including using a drone for surveillance of the TACOM facility to identify entry points, security measures, and potential targets. He reportedly planned to deploy Molotov cocktails as diversionary devices while carrying out a mass shooting with assault-style weapons. The FBI recovered handwritten diagrams of the facility and detailed attack plans during their investigation.

This case bears striking similarities to other thwarted domestic terrorism plots in recent years, where individuals inspired by foreign terrorist organizations have targeted military installations, government buildings, and public gatherings. The FBI’s successful infiltration of Said’s planning process demonstrates the critical importance of proactive counterterrorism operations, particularly as ISIS and similar groups continue to promote “lone wolf” attacks through online propaganda.

Ongoing Threat of Radicalization

The arrest of Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said serves as a stark reminder that the threat of Islamic terrorism remains present within American borders. Despite military defeats in Syria and Iraq, ISIS continues to inspire attacks worldwide through its ideology and online presence. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of current deradicalization efforts and the need for greater vigilance in identifying potential extremists, especially those with military connections.

While the Biden administration has repeatedly focused resources on so-called “domestic extremism” from right-wing groups, this case demonstrates that jihadist terrorism continues to pose a significant threat to national security. The successful prevention of this attack highlights the ongoing need for robust counterterrorism operations focused on all forms of extremist violence, regardless of ideology or political considerations.