In a recent development, two individuals have been charged in connection with an alleged terrorist plot inspired by ISIS in Michigan, as announced by acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, on Wednesday.

During a broadcast on the social platform X, Habba revealed that the suspects, hailing from New Jersey and Washington state, face charges of conspiring to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization. They are also accused of disseminating violent, antisemitic threats across the internet, targeting individuals in New Jersey and beyond. The details can be further explored through her video statement.

In addition to these two men, authorities have apprehended four others in connection with the plot. Among them are three individuals from Michigan and one from New Jersey.

According to a criminal complaint unsealed on Monday, two of the Michigan-based suspects had allegedly scouted LGBTQ-friendly bars in Ferndale, near Detroit. The document also suggests that the planning for the potential attack was conducted both in person and through WhatsApp, a platform known for its encrypted messaging capabilities.

However, a lawyer representing one of the Michigan men told the Associated Press on Saturday that there was no intention of carrying out a terrorist attack. The attorney expressed disbelief at what he described as “hysteria and fearmongering” surrounding the case.

The men charged Wednesday, Habba said used encrypted messaging platforms to plan travel to Turkey and Syria from October 2024 until Tuesday. The two allegedly discussed joining ISIS, “detailed” travel plans, physical training methods, firearms and improvised explosive devices and ways to avoid law enforcement detection, she said.  

Both pledged themselves to ISIS, and plotted terror attacks in the U.S., Habba said.

On Wednesday, one man appeared in federal court in New Jersey, while the other appeared in federal court in the Western District of Washington.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X Wednesday that he was “grateful” for the work of Habba, the FBI, the Department of Justice and Attorney General Pam Bondi on the case, staying “their efforts helped save lives and keep Americans safe.”