Federal investigators say they prevented a planned terrorist attack that was set to target LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs in downtown Ferndale over Halloween weekend.

According to the federal complaint, two suspects facing terrorism charges Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud along with an unnamed juvenile, scouted three businesses on Woodward Avenue near East 9 Mile Road on the evenings of Sept. 19 and Sept. 20. The FBI says these locations "attract members of the LGBTQ+ community."

Ali and Mahmoud, both residents of Dearborn, have been charged with gun crimes.

The alleged attack was motivated by ISIS ideology, federal investigators said. Multiple co-conspirators were also named in the complaint.

"I could see that there was potential for lots of damage to be done on (Halloween)," said Julia

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