A troubling case unfolded recently in Warren, Michigan, involving a young former Army National Guardsman accused of plotting a mass shooting at a U.S. military base. Authorities revealed that 19-year-old Ammar Abdelmadjid Mohammed Saeed was arrested after allegedly planning an attack on the take-home facility at the base on behalf of the terrorist organization ISIS. The arrest has sparked a renewed focus on counterintelligence and insider threats within the military community.
The Arrest and Charges
On a Wednesday in early May 2025, federal officials took Saeed into custody after intercepting plans for the attack. According to a new criminal complaint, Saeed was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to a destructive device. These charges stem from his reported efforts to facilitate a violent assault against a U.S. military installation, which if successful, could have resulted in significant casualties and security breaches.
During the investigation, Saeed is said to have confessed to his intentions in conversations with undercover officers. These officers, working in coordination with the FBI and other agencies, acted as operatives who agreed to assist in carrying out the plot under Saeed’s direction and the broader influence of ISIS.
Detailed Planning and Surveillance
The plot that Saeed allegedly devised was not a spontaneous act but involved careful and detailed preparation. Investigators revealed that Saeed purchased ammunition and magazines necessary for the planned mass shooting. He also reportedly surveilled the military base using a drone, gathering intelligence about the facility's layout and potential vulnerabilities.
Moreover, Saeed instructed the undercover officers on firearms handling, including how to effectively use weapons, and provided training on constructing Molotov cocktails—improvised incendiary devices intended to cause destruction and chaos. His instructions went further to include guidance on how to enter the base undetected and which buildings to target, demonstrating a chilling level of premeditation and intent.
Official Responses and Warnings
The FBI Detroit field office issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to protecting the American people. The special agent in charge highlighted the agency’s unwavering mission to identify and disrupt threats before they can materialize into violent attacks. The joint terrorism task force was credited for its relentless efforts in monitoring and preventing acts of terrorism within the United States and its territories.
Similarly, Brigadier General Robert Cox of the U.S. Army expressed grave concern about the case, calling it a sobering reminder of the importance of counterintelligence within the armed forces. He urged all soldiers to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior through the proper chain of command. The general underscored that the safety and security of the Army, and by extension the nation, rely heavily on collective efforts to detect and prevent insider threats, which can often be the most difficult to identify.
Court Proceedings and Potential Consequences
In his first court appearance, Saeed consented to detention, indicating that he will remain in custody as legal proceedings move forward. His preliminary examination is scheduled for May 28th, where the evidence against him will be further reviewed.
If convicted on the charges of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and distributing information about destructive devices, Saeed faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison. This severe penalty reflects the seriousness of plotting an attack on a military installation and the potential threat to national security such an act represents.
Broader Implications and the Fight Against Insider Threats
This case shines a spotlight on the challenges that counterterrorism and military agencies face in detecting radicalization and extremist plans within their own ranks. Saeed, being a former Army National Guardsman, had insider knowledge and access, which could have been exploited to devastating effect had his plot not been uncovered.
The incident reinforces the need for ongoing vigilance, intelligence sharing, and robust counterintelligence operations within the military. It also raises awareness about the dangers of radicalization among service members and the necessity of proactive measures to support and monitor personnel who may be vulnerable to extremist influence.
Authorities continue to stress that preventing insider threats is a shared responsibility among all members of the military and law enforcement. By fostering a culture of openness and reporting, and by maintaining rigorous security protocols, the hope is to mitigate the risk posed by individuals who seek to harm their own country from within.
In Warren, the community remains alert as the judicial process unfolds, reminding everyone of the persistent and evolving nature of terrorism threats—even on domestic soil—and the critical importance of safeguarding national security at every level.
