FBI thwarts potential Halloween terror attack 'with Isis connection' in Michigan

The FBI has thwarted a “potential terrorist attack” and made multiple arrests, according to its Director Kash Patel.

Federal agents took five people from Dearborn and Inkster, Michigan, into custody for an alleged plot to conduct an attack.

The foiled plan has a connection to Isis extremism, according to three senior law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation.

Mr Patel said on social media: “Multiple subjects have been arrested after allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend.”

White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Seb Gorka said authorities were able to stop a “Jihadi terror plot in Detroit”.

Mr Gorka said the alleged attack was “timed for Halloween when innocent children should be enjoying themselves, Trick or Treating”.

The FBI Detroit field office confirmed law enforcement activity taking place in the area on Friday.

“There is no current threat to public safety”, a spokesman said.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she was briefed by the FBI and thanked law enforcement for their involvement.

The Dearborn Police Department said it “had been made aware that the FBI conducted operations in the City of Dearborn earlier this morning.

“We want to assure our residents that there is no threat to the community at this time.”

Kash Patel said the FBI foiled the plot

| REUTERS

In May, the FBI said it arrested a man who had spent months planning an attack against a US Army base in suburban Detroit.

The individual was scuppered by those he believed were his co-conspirators, but were actually undercover FBI agents.

He remains in custody, charged with attempting to provide support to a terrorist organisation.

A guilty plea is said to be likely as the criminal complaint was replaced in September with a criminal “information” document.

Five people have been taken into custody