Kent 19-year-old was on FBI’s radar years before alleged Michigan terrorist plot

A 19-year-old from Kent was charged in connection with an alleged foiled Halloween terrorist attack in Michigan last week, according to documents from the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.

Saed Ali Mirreh is the sixth person arrested regarding the planned attack, FBI Director Kash Patel reported via X. His face is blurred in the above picture because that’s how it was attached in court documents, as that’s how the group would send pictures of each other.

Update on the alleged foiled terrorist attack out of Michigan last week – earlier this week the FBI and partners arrested a 6th subject in connection to the case, this time out of Washington state. This was another individual allegedly providing material support, inspired by…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 6, 2025

The group was allegedly plotting a violent attack on LGBTQ+ bars in Detroit, inspired by the Islamic State, according to The Associated Press (AP), citing authorities.

Mirreh was arrested at his home, and another alleged co-conspirator was detained at Newark Liberty International Airport Tuesday, court documents stated.

The suspects allegedly used encrypted messaging apps to plan to travel from the U.S. to Turkey to cross the border into Syria to join ISIS. Mirreh later admitted to authorities that he bought a ticket from Seattle to Istanbul for November.

Mirreh was known as the “finance guy” of the group and allegedly raised money for travel through internet scams.

He was first identified by the FBI in 2023 when he was found to have been communicating online about possible ISIS-inspired attacks in the U.S. and Canada, according to court documents.

Mirreh, who was a minor at the time, admitted to sharing extremist propaganda but did not admit to the intent to carry out violence.

In 2025, Mirreh reconnected with ISIS supporters and was posting extremist content online again. He was found to be contacting at least three overseas ISIS affiliates through Instagram, where he allegedly discussed “jihad against the kuffar,” shared weapons and tactical gear, and posted a video of himself wearing body armor inside a car with what looked to be a gun case next to him.

Mirreh was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

FBI Seattle commends agencies that thwarted alleged Michigan terrorist attack

FBI Seattle released a statement Thursday, recognizing the work of agents across the country and locally.

“I commend the outstanding work and dedication displayed over the past week by all in FBI Seattle, and other field offices across the country, who played an important role in preventing a potential attack and keeping our communities safe,” W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, stated via X. “This is a top priority for the FBI in the state of Washington, and our Joint Terrorism Task Force remains vigilant, working behind the scenes with our partners to protect our nation from threats, both foreign and domestic.”

“I commend the outstanding work and dedication displayed over the past week by all in FBI Seattle, and other field offices across the country, who played an important role in preventing a potential attack and keeping our communities safe,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent… pic.twitter.com/W3iq8l70cY

— FBI Seattle (@FBISeattle) November 6, 2025

FBI Newark also released a statement on X Thursday.

“This week, members of the FBI Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force showed the dexterity and swiftness it takes to protect this country from those who wish to harm us. The agents, intelligence analysts, professional staff, task force officers, prosecutors, as well as federal, state, and local partner agencies are our lifeblood — and we cannot do what we did in this investigation without every one of them,” Stefanie Roddy, FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge, stated.

“This week, members of the FBI Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force showed the dexterity and swiftness it takes to protect this country from those who wish to harm us. The agents, intelligence analysts, professional staff, task force officers, prosecutors, as well as federal, state… pic.twitter.com/OYGspMswox

— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) November 6, 2025

Additional suspects charged in connection with alleged terror attack

Patel previously announced that two additional suspects had been charged.

Two additional suspects have been charged in connection with the alleged Halloween terror plot in Detroit last week.

Grateful for the diligent work of @USAttyHabba, @FBI, @TheJusticeDept, and @AGPamBondi in pursuing justice.

Their efforts helped save lives and keep Americans… https://t.co/ffFeK6jcGP

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 5, 2025

Ayob Nasser, a 19-year-old from Michigan, was charged with conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated terrorist organization and receiving and transferring guns and ammunition for terrorism, along with his brother Mohmed Ali and another man, Majed Mahmoud, The AP reported, citing court documents.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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