The FBI arrested a sixth suspect linked with the ISIS-inspired foiled terrorist attack planned for Halloween weekend in Dearborn, Michigan, director Kash Patel confirmed Thursday on X/Twitter.
The latest suspect, from Washington state, was allegedly providing material support to the terror cell, Kash announced.
This follows New Jersey authorities arresting and charging two ISIS-linked terrorists alleged to have planned antisemitic attacks, who were also connected to the Dearborn cell, acting attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced on Wednesday
Patel announced that the attack had been thwarted in a post on X on October 31, the day before the first two suspects were formally charged, and three days before the criminal complaint was made public.
Patel's initial post generated concern within the Justice Department that the investigation should have reached a more advanced stage before it was publicly disclosed, according to two sources briefed on the matter.
The two men first named as suspects were identified by authorities as Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud.
They were found to have purchased firearms, including AR-15-style rifles, in recent months and participated in online conversations indicating they had knowledge of an attack plot, according to an FBI affidavit.
Ali and Mahmoud were each charged under a federal law that bars attempting or conspiring to transfer firearms and ammunition that the person believes would be used in a crime of terrorism, in this case, providing material support to ISIS.
Practiced shooting firearms at gun ranges
US authorities allege both men practiced shooting firearms at gun ranges in recent weeks according to the FBI affidavit.
Prosecutors allege that the six suspects, including at least one juvenile, were all involved in the plot, though only two are so far facing federal charges. The group used encrypted messaging platforms and social media to share ISIS-related messages encouraging attacks, according to court documents.
Reuters contributed to this report