DETROIT — A Michigan defense lawyer is disputing FBI Director Kash Patel’s claim that his 20-year-old client and several others were plotting a terrorist attack over Halloween weekend, calling the allegations “hysteria and fearmongering.”
Amir Makled, who represents a Dearborn man still in custody, said federal authorities have provided little information and that, after reviewing the case, he believes no attack was planned. “If these young men were on forums they shouldn’t have been on, we’ll have to wait and see,” Makled told the Associated Press. “But I don’t believe there’s anything illegal about what they were doing.”
The suspects, all U.S. citizens between 16 and 20 years old, were allegedly active in online chat rooms where “pumpkin day” was discussed — a possible reference to Halloween, according to two people briefed on the case. Investigators suspect the group was inspired by Islamic State ideology, though it’s unclear whether they had the means to carry out an attack.
Patel announced the arrests Friday, claiming the FBI had “thwarted a potential terrorist attack.” Authorities later said there was no continuing threat to public safety.
Critics have questioned Patel’s credibility after several prior exaggerated national security claims under his leadership.
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