BUSTED: Ex-Guard’s ISIS Plot Remains Mysterious

Soldiers in camouflage uniforms saluting with American flags

Former Michigan National Guardsman arrested for ISIS-inspired plot to massacre soldiers at Detroit-area Army base, revealing a chilling betrayal from within America’s own military ranks.

Key Takeaways

Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, 19, planned a mass shooting at the TACOM Army facility in Warren, Michigan, allegedly in support of ISIS
The former Michigan Army National Guardsman was arrested on May 13, 2025, after conducting drone reconnaissance of the military facility
Said faces up to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and distributing information on destructive devices
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force used undercover agents to infiltrate Said’s plot over several months, documenting his plans for using assault weapons and Molotov cocktails
The case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the vulnerability of military installations to insider threats

Homegrown Terrorist Recruited From Within

Federal authorities have arrested a 19-year-old former Michigan Army National Guard member for allegedly plotting an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at a U.S. Army facility near Detroit. Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said of Melvindale, Michigan was taken into custody on May 13, 2025, the same day he had planned to carry out his attack on the Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) in Warren. The arrest marks a disturbing case of radicalization within America’s own military ranks, as Said allegedly sought to murder the very soldiers he had once trained alongside.

According to court documents, Said expressed a “longstanding desire to engage in violent jihad” and had been under FBI surveillance since 2024. A secret search of his phone in July 2024 revealed references to jihad and Islamic State flags. The investigation intensified as Said’s plans became more concrete, with the suspect allegedly conducting weapons training and reconnaissance in preparation for what could have been a devastating attack on American soil.

Sophisticated Plot Foiled by Undercover Operation

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force successfully infiltrated Said’s plot through an elaborate undercover operation. Two FBI employees posed as ISIS operatives, gaining the suspect’s trust and documenting his increasingly detailed plans. Said allegedly provided the undercover agents with handwritten diagrams of the TACOM facility, instructions on breaching security, and training on constructing explosives and using firearms. The suspect believed he was preparing fellow jihadists for a coordinated assault on American military personnel.

“Helping ISIS prepare or carry out acts of violence is a threat to our entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. in a statement following the arrest. The Department of Justice has emphasized that the operation prevented “a deadly attack on a U.S. military base here at home for ISIS,” according to National Security Division Head Sue J. Bai.

Arsenal of Terror: Weapons and Tactics

The planned attack involved a disturbing array of weaponry and tactical preparations. Said allegedly intended to use armor-piercing ammunition and assault-style weapons for a mass shooting at the TACOM facility, which houses critical military operations. He also planned to deploy Molotov cocktails as part of the assault, potentially causing widespread casualties and destruction at the base. The suspect’s military background gave him dangerous knowledge of tactics and weapons handling that made his threats particularly credible.

Perhaps most concerning was Said’s use of modern technology for his terrorist objectives. On the day of his arrest, he was caught launching a drone near the base for final reconnaissance, intending to identify entry points, security measures, and potential targets. This sophisticated approach demonstrates how modern terrorist threats have evolved to incorporate readily available civilian technology for deadly purposes.

From National Guardsman to Terror Suspect

Said’s transformation from a member of the Michigan Army National Guard to an alleged ISIS supporter raises serious questions about radicalization and security protocols within military organizations. The case highlights the challenge of identifying extremist sympathizers who may seek military training and access to sensitive facilities. His insider knowledge of military operations and procedures made him particularly dangerous, as he could potentially exploit vulnerabilities unknown to outside attackers.

Federal prosecutors have requested pretrial detention for Said, citing his danger to the community and flight risk. During his first court appearance on May 14, 2025, the gravity of the charges became clear: attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to destructive devices. If convicted, Said faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each charge.

A Pattern of Homegrown Threats

This case is part of a troubling pattern of homegrown terrorism threats targeting U.S. military installations. The successful interdiction demonstrates the critical importance of proactive counterterrorism operations and intelligence gathering. Had the plot succeeded, it could have resulted in significant casualties at the TACOM facility, which employs thousands of military and civilian personnel working on critical defense systems.

The FBI’s ability to infiltrate and document Said’s planning over several months provided crucial evidence for the prosecution while preventing what could have been a devastating attack. This case serves as a stark reminder that the threat of terrorism remains present on American soil, often from individuals who have been radicalized while living within our communities.