In a chilling reminder of the persistent threat posed by domestic radicalization, federal officials have charged 19-year-old Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, in connection with an ISIS-inspired plot to carry out a terrorist assault on a U.S. military installation in Michigan.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Said had planned to launch an armed assault against the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) facility, located within the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan. The TACOM base is a critical component of the U.S. Army’s logistics and vehicle support operations, making it a high-value target for extremists.
Federal authorities stated that Said was arrested on May 13, 2025, the very day he intended to execute the attack. His plot was intercepted and ultimately thwarted through the efforts of two undercover law enforcement agents, who had been monitoring and engaging with Said since April.
ISIS-Driven Motivation
Investigators say Said was acting at the direction of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS)—a designated foreign terrorist organization. He allegedly communicated his allegiance to the terror group and sought to wage jihad on U.S. soil, targeting military personnel and infrastructure.
The charges against him include attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to the construction or use of a destructive device. These are both felony offenses under federal law, and each carries the potential for long-term imprisonment if convicted.
Planning the Assault
Prosecutors allege that Said took multiple concrete steps in preparation for the assault. He flew a drone over the TACOM facility to gather reconnaissance and identify weak points. In coordination with undercover agents he believed to be fellow ISIS sympathizers, he provided armor-piercing ammunition and demonstrated how to build Molotov cocktails—homemade incendiary devices intended for use in the planned attack.
In a particularly alarming move, Said also trained the undercover officers in the use of firearms and explosives, revealing a level of tactical preparation and intent that significantly elevated the threat level.
A Calculated Domestic Threat
Said’s background as a former National Guard soldier with military knowledge and insider access made this case even more serious, according to law enforcement officials. His familiarity with military procedures and tactics would have made him a particularly dangerous actor if his plans had come to fruition.
Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, commanding general of Army Counterintelligence Command, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating:
“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. 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.”
A Statement from the Justice Department
Jerome F. Gorgon, the U.S. Attorney overseeing the case, made it clear that the federal government will not hesitate to use every available legal measure to prevent terrorist attacks:
“Assistance to ISIS is a reprehensible crime and a threat to our entire nation. 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 sent shockwaves through both the Melvindale community—his hometown—and the broader Michigan military network. Authorities are currently working to determine whether he had additional accomplices or if the attack was intended to be a solo operation.
A Victory for Counterterrorism Efforts
The case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic radicalization, especially when it intersects with individuals who possess military training or security clearances. It also underscores the crucial role of undercover law enforcement operations in preventing mass violence before it occurs.
As Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said awaits arraignment, federal authorities continue to investigate the full extent of his connections to ISIS and whether any other targets were under consideration. For now, the timely intervention of undercover agents has likely averted a tragic assault on U.S. soil—and served as a powerful reminder of the vigilance required to defend against both foreign and domestic threats.