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Today โ€” 8 November 2025Main stream

Counterterrorism expert talks alleged terror investigations, why threats still persist

8 November 2025 at 01:06

The FBI has now arrested a sixth suspect in an alleged terror plot, including three men from Dearborn. According to court documents, the men considered Ferndale and Cedar Point as potential targets and scoped out those locations.

Authorities said the latest arrest occurred in Washington state. A 48-page complaint names Saed Ali Mirreh, who allegedly planned to flee the U.S. when he learned his alleged co-conspirators in Dearborn were arrested.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Alleged Halloween terror plot investigation expanding

Tomas-Kaan Jimenez Guzel is also named in that complaint. Guzel lives in New Jersey where the case was filed.

The two men and another man from New Jersey, Milo Sedarat, allegedly communicated with individuals in Dearborn about planning and carrying out an ISIS-inspired attack.

7 News Detroit sat down with University of Michigan professor Javed Ali who served on the front lines of counterterrorism.

"This happens every day. Its been going on for 20-plus years and even before 9/11. The number of these counterterrorism investigations that the FBI leads on a daily basis or overseeing or managing, Ali said. Were talking about into the thousands on a daily basis, and thats just here in the United States."

He said he had a 16-year career with the FBI, U.S. Homeland Security and the Defense Intelligence Agency, monitoring and thwarting attacks from Al Quaeda and ISIS.

Ali said radicalization and the fight against it is never-ending. He said the tools and methods used to recruit people are nothing.

One of the challenges in the intelligence community and law enforcement perspective is how do folks actually know that this threat-related activity is actually happening? the professor explained.

Previous coverage: Federal judge in Detroit denies bond in terror plot case Federal judge denies bond in terror plot case

He said sometimes, investigators get lucky and then dig deeper. But sometimes, someone participating in those dark, extremist discussions becomes concerned and decide to back out. They then tip off law enforcement.

The court filings show the defendants used encrypted messages to communicate, but FBI confidential informants were somehow part of those discussions. Ali said often, there's no definitive threshold for investigators between monitoring and taking action.

These are all really tough questions. How long are you willing to wait and watch and knowing that people have moved beyond talking about things and developing capacities before you can then build a criminal case that youre going to have to present in evidence in a court of law to then try to prosecute people for? he said.

The defense attorneys will fall back on the argument (that) these are young kids and they were just, this is just campfire chitchat and yes, they were angry, but its not illegal to be radicalized or even look at Al Qaeda or ISIS propaganda here."

"But I think it was sort of those overt, sort of materials steps they took to include getting the guns and planning for some type of attack and then using the words pumpkin day, that I think is when the threshold got crossed."

Previous coverage: More men arrested in alleged Halloween terror plot, FBI investigates at Cedar Point 3 more men arrested in alleged Halloween terror plot, FBI investigates at Cedar Point

The case involving the three defendants from Dearborn continues on Monday morning with their detention hearings.

Yesterday โ€” 7 November 2025Main stream

Sixth suspect arrested in alleged terror plot, another appears in Detroit courtroom

6 November 2025 at 23:46

A sixth suspect has been arrested in connection to the alleged Halloween terror plot in Michigan, the FBI said.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that a sixth person was arrested earlier this week in Washington state.

"This was another individual allegedly providing material support," Patel said.

Another suspect, Ayob Nasser, whose name was added to the 92-page federal complaint, appeared in front of a federal judge in downtown Detroit. He stood mute to the charges he's facing alleging domestic terrorism with multiple co-conspirators.

Three of Nasser's loved ones left federal court after declining to comment on his behalf. He's accused of helping to plan a terrorist attack in support of ISIS.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Federal judge denies bond in terror plot case

7 News Detroit spoke with former federal Prosecutor Matthew Schneider, who predicted more charges.

"Now another person has been charged, and I think additional people will be charged. Maybe not on the federal level but at least on the state level because this case involves juveniles," he explained.

The FBI said the people involved are 16 to 20 years old from Dearborn. The FBI raided homes on Friday and a storage facility in Inkster.

You can read the full updated criminal complain below:

Amended complaint in alleged terror plot by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit

Nasser is 19 and, according to the federal complaint, he and his alleged co-conspirators Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud bought AR-style rifles and accessories, 1,600 rounds of ammunition, tactical gear and more, some of which was recovered at the storage facility in Inkster.

The suspects also allegedly underwent firearms training, conspired with others over group chats and allegedly scoped out Ferndale and Sandusky, Ohio, as possible targets to strike Halloween weekend.

"It looks like the conspirators were trying to go to Cedar Point and were, as the agents says, that they were assessing that to do a possible mass shooting. Of course, we don't know all of that yet, but it looks like that is the direction that the government's case is going, that they're going to show that it wasn't just a local issue but it's a conspiracy that crosses state lines," Schneider explained.

Previous report: 3 more men arrested in alleged Halloween terror plot, FBI investigates at Cedar Point 3 more men arrested in alleged Halloween terror plot, FBI investigates at Cedar Point

The complaint states Nasser and another person left Dearborn to visit Cedar Point on Sept. 18. They are seen in surveillance footage at the amusement park.

Investigators said the men occasionally entered areas that weren't open to the public and searched online for details about Cedar Point before their visit.

This week, two men from New Jersey were also charged.

7 News Detroit asked Schneider what some of the challenges and implications are with this being a multi-state investigation now, since New jersey is also involved.

"Now that the federal government is spreading this across the country, there is cooperation amongst the U.S. Attorneys Office in different states, the Justice Department is fully on board with this case. So, it looks like there's good cooperation among law enforcement. That makes it very difficult for the defense to overcome this," he explained.

Previous coverage: 2 Dearborn men charged in alleged Halloween terror plot targeting Ferndale 2 Dearborn men charged in alleged Halloween terror plot targeting Ferndale

Nasser is being represented by former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's former defense attorney Jim Thomas.

"It's also not surprising that you have really high-quality defense counsel in this case because you've got a sophisticated prosecution," Schneider said. "I don't think that the defense is going to fall down on this case. This will be heavily litigated and it'll be difficult and hard fought on both sides," he added.

Nasser's attorney declined comment at this time. All three suspects are due back in court Monday morning for their detention hearings.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Detroit voters cast their ballot for city's next mayor

5 November 2025 at 01:39

7 News Detroit visited several Detroit polling locations to speak with voters casting their ballots for the city's next mayor.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video reports: Detroit chooses new mayor for first time in 12 years Detroit chooses new mayor for first time in 12 years

City Council President Mary Sheffield and pastor Solomon Kinloch are vying to replace Mayor Mike Duggan, who served three terms. Sheffield is trying to make history by becoming Detroit's first female mayor.

Watch 7 News Detroit Editorial and Public Affairs Director Chuck Stokes break down the race: Analyzing Detroit's mayoral election on election night Analyzing Detroit's mayoral election on election night

City clerk Janice Winfrey said the department of elections estimates 18 to 23 percent of registered voters will show up to the polls. Close to 17 percent voted during the primary election, according to the department.

Watch 7 News Detroit reporters on election night: Michigan voters head to the polls on election day

"That's pretty pathetic," Carl Hankins said.

Hankins, who voted at the Northwest Activities Center, explained, "My dad always told me that if you don't vote, you have no voice. Therefore, you have no reason to complain when things aren't going good. This is your voice."

Debbie McKenzie said, "I think it's sad that voting rights were so hard for us to get, and we're sitting at home, ya know, just sitting it out and trusting other people to be our voice, but they may not have the vision you have. So, everybody needs to get out and vote for themselves and vote for the person that they think will take the city in the direction they want to see it go."

Geraldine Stevenson said, "So, many people think that your vote don't count. So, I try to teach my family that your vote counts."

She said she teaches by example and that she's been heading to the polls since she was 18 years old.

Stevenson said, "And I ain't gone tell you how old I am today."

Donald Hatcher said, Its been a while since we had somebody whos a homegrown Detroit resident whos really invested. Thats the people Im looking to cast my vote for."

McKenzie said, I think the city has come a long way, and I want to see that continue. So, I want a mayor that is up to the task of continuing that -- some of the protections that weve had following the bankruptcy expiring, and our new mayors going to face some challenges. So, I want someone thats experienced in handling challenges.

Hankins said, I still want action in the neighborhoods. Our downtown is immaculate. I think its world-class. Ive been to various other cities.

We need to have that same energy for our neighborhoods for redevelopment," he ended.

Hatcher explained, I know both of the candidates personally, and uh, I wouldnt say who I voted for cause they might see this, but whoever wins, I think its a better step in the right direction for the city. Ill put it like that."

"I like both the candidates," Hatcher added.

More than 1 million Michigan residents brace for potential SNAP benefits freeze

30 October 2025 at 22:55

In less than 48 hours, million of Americans are at risk of missing out on their SNAP benefits as the federal government shutdown drags on.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said about 13% of Michigan households receive the supplemental benefits, which help them pay for groceries.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: More than 1 million Michigan residents brace for potential SNAP benefits freeze

Anna Blasdel, a senior in her late 60s, said the social security she receives isn't enough to cover her grocery bill.

So every month, she depends on SNAP benefits to supplement her purchases.

"I don't get a whole lot of money every month from SNAP benefits, but what I do get really, really helps me a lot, Blasdel told 7 News Detroit.

The Monroe County resident responded to a post on 7 News Detroits social media.

She said her jaw just about dropped when she received a message through her SNAP portal earlier this month stating that her benefits could pause Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown.

I was kind of freaking out a little bit. It's like now what do I do?" Blasdel said.

Previous coverage: Michigan lawmakers propose emergency food aid package as SNAP benefits expire Michigan lawmakers propose emergency food aid package as SNAP benefits expire

Kyle DuBuc, the United Way's vice president of communications and advocacy, said about 36% of households that receive SNAP benefits have an older adult who is benefiting.

"We're anticipating that people are going to skip utility payments, rent payments, mortgage payments, he explained.

Related:

Michigan Double Up Food Bucks Program expanding as SNAP distribution disrupted List: Food resources in metro Detroit as pause in SNAP funding expected

DuBuc said that could set families, seniors and anyone else who uses SNAP back even further. He said more households are already turning to food pantries, which the United Way partners with.

"We've already seen in the last week a 50% percent increase in our 211 call line calling for food support and that's only going to increase exponentially if these November payments are not issued, he explained.

"You've already seen stories. You've probably already done stories of food bank shelves being empty over the last couple months. As grocery prices continue to rise and now with the federal workers going without payments for the last month, and now we're going to have another 1.4 million people without food assistance."

Previous coverage: SNAP benefits pause leaves over 1M Michiganders scrambling for food assistance SNAP benefits pause leaves over 1M Michiganders scrambling for food assistance

He said during past shutdowns the federal government has allowed SNAP to continue to be funded.

"The number one thing we're doing right now is we are asking people to join us and advocating and sending messages to our members of Congress and to the administration saying that we need to them do whatever is in their power. Even if the stalemate around the budget continues, they have options, he explained.

DuBuc said the U.S. Department of Agriculture has $6 billion in a contingency fund that it can use to continue distributing SNAP payments during the shutdown if the Trump administration, Congress or a court order allows it.

"I just wish the government would agree to disagree. Quit thinking about yourselves and think about the people that voted for you and put you in office," Blasdel said. "It's not only about me. It's about everybody else that's not going to get their SNAP benefits and the food pantries are going to run out.

Some of these people don't have family that can help them. I do have, if push comes to shove, I have my family to help me if I need help."

Old Detroit dance studio getting new life as affordable housing, small businesses

29 October 2025 at 22:10

The city of Detroit and developers broke ground Wednesday on a project to bring affordable housing and a space for community-centric businesses to the east side.

They're breathing new life into an old dance studio built in the 1950s along the East Warren-Cadieux corridor.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Ground broken on revival of Detroit Arthur Murray Dance Studio

Construction fencing wraps around the Arthur Murray building, where developers say they plan to turn the 8,000-square-foot structure into 32 apartment units of affordable housing on the top floor and community-focused businesses on the first floor.

"If it weren't for the people in this community, I wouldn't be here, this project wouldn't be here," developer Emery Matthews said.

He said he went to community members first to discuss the needs for the area and then secured financing from multiple organizations.

"So, our first and most essential note of gratitude goes to the people who live here. This is for you. And what I tell people, I don't patronize the community. We won't always agree. I won't always come off as the good guy, but I will always listen," Matthews said.

He said the project is being supported by the Strategic Neighborhood Fund. Also, it's the first development in the city of Detroit to take advantage of the new housing tax increment financing program. That's according to Julie Schiender, the director of Detroit's Housing and Revitalization Department.

"It's a tool that'll be used more and more to help bring affordable housing through Detroit as another important financing tool," Schneider said.

Jacinda Cason said she moved to Detroit from Chicago five years ago hoping to find an area that had everything she needs without having to leave the community. She said East Warren Avenue is heading in that direction.

"I'm excited about all the investment that's happened in this community," she said.

"I drove down the street, saw people taking care of their yards, saw people jogging, walking their dogs, pushing their children in strollers and then I came up and down the corridor and saw that.. people talking about what was coming to the community and all the investment that was coming to the community."

The project is expected to be completed by the middle of 2026.

Detroit security guard survives knife attack, hailed a hero

28 October 2025 at 23:33

Andre Ash, 61, said his shift on Thursday started off like any other workday. He showed up to Regency Tower Apartments and clocked in ready to keep residents safe.

However, Ash said he ended up encountering an irate man who tried to kill him.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Apartment security guard stabbed at work

Bandaged and bruised with multiple deep cuts to his hand and cuts to his head and neck, he said his injuries came while he was just doing his job.

Ash said he was four hours into his shift when he noticed a man trying to get into the lobby.

"He's coming around to the front door, but he can't get in because whoever he was calling, I guess they wouldn't let him in, Ash recalled.

He said the guy managed to get into the lobby when some residents used their key to get in.

But when Ash asked the man if he's visiting someone and to sign in, he said the guy started to argue and threatened to get him fired.

"He's making motions like what he's gone do to me, but I don't believe you're going to do anything to me, so just go ahead and do what you're going to do, go where you're going to go. He pulls the knife out and I'm like whatever, you think is gone happen, it's not gone happen," Ash explained.

Before Ash could finish dialing 911, he said, He lunges twice at me and after that, we were fighting."

As the two fell to the floor, Ash said he took the first stab to his hand while trying to block the knife.

"He stabbed me through my hand again. We went on the floor, rolled around on the floor and I flipped him over up under me, and I grabbed the knife and I start stabbing him with his knife. I held him tight on the floor. He was trying to choke me, and I was choking him until the police came, he recalled.

Someone else had dialed 911. Detroit police say they arrested 43-year-old Marcus Shamily. Hes now facing a number of charges including attempted murder.

"I'm glad (police) came because if they hadn't came when they came, this would be a different type of interview," Ash said. "I'm just glad he didn't approach anybody else because he probably would have done serious harm to anybody else.

Regency Tower residents are praising him for his actions.

"People may slip in or whatever. That worries me by me coming home the times that I come home or what not. Ya know, I felt good that he was here whenever I saw him working," Shontell Jackson said.

Mark Pace said, It was a heroic act, and I appreciate him trying to keep us safe here because it's a lot of seniors."

Ash said, "Hero, I don't know about hero but a survivor. I believe that."

Its survival skills Ash says he learned years ago.

"When I was younger I took up martial arts. So every now and then I've practiced for exercise, he said. "And I think all of that came back and helped me out a lot."

Ash said he's grateful for the help from Detroit police, medics and the medical staff at Detroit Receiving Hospital as he starts a long road to recovery.

Hot dog vendor operating without permit in Detroit ordered to stand trial for resisting

24 October 2025 at 23:25

The hot dog vendor at the center of a viral video has been ordered to stand trial for an incident involving a Detroit police officer.

A judge made that decision Friday at Nayeli Ruiz' preliminary examination in 36th District Court.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Hot dog vendor bound over for trial

An officer arrested Ruiz on Sept. 14 after he said she assaulted, resisted and obstructed his investigation into whether she had a right to sell food to the public.

Her arrest also triggered a deportation case.

Previous coverage: Popular Detroit hot dog vendor who went viral after arrest by police now facing deportation Popular Detroit hot dog vendor who went viral after arrest by police now facing deportation

During her hearing, Ruiz wiped away tears as her attorney played the officer-worn body camera footage of her arrest. Sgt. David Rios, the arresting officer, testified about the events that led to Ruiz's arrest.

Ruiz, 26, co-owns a hot dog stand in southwest Detroit. Rios said when he asked her if she had a permit to operate, she said no.

The officer then told her, her cooks and customers that he was shutting things down.

"What happened next when you told the workers to stop working and the line to shut down?" the prosecutor asked Rios.

Rios replied, "At that point, the defendant told the line, 'No, I'm calling my lawyer.' And then I stated to her, 'This is closed. There's no more service.'"

The sergeant said Ruiz started to argue, the crowd got "a bit aggressive" and he decided to detain Ruiz.

"As she was interfering with the closure of the line, I told her she was detained. I told her we'll do this a different way, and I opted to detain her in handcuffs for the rest of the investigation, so I could dismiss the line properly and come back to the conversation," Rios explained.

He said she resisted and that led to her being charged with assaulting, resisting and obstructing an officer.

However, Ruiz's attorney, Ryan Hill, said the sergeant had no right to detain his client in the first place.

Hill told 7 News Detroit, "All I can go by is the issuing citations from Sgt. Rios, and if you look at those citations, the definition section talks about it having to be on a public street or a sidewalk or some type of easement, right? That's all I'm going off of. He's the one that issued a citation saying it was on a public street. He clearly said in his testimony today it wasn't it. So, the underlying charge, if it's not a charge, how do you resist something if it is unlawful? You don't."

His client, who's been in the U.S. for 20 years, now also faces deportation.

"She's not doing very well, and the first thing she said to me is I just want to see my children," he said.

Ruiz next court date is Oct. 31.

Hazel Park PD investigating five home break-ins, $10K in stolen appliances

24 October 2025 at 02:47

Hazel Park police are investigating five break-ins at vacant homes citywide. Investigators said the burglaries occurred between Thursday, Oct. 16 and Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Thieves stole refrigerators, washers, dryers, a new air conditioner and a stove. Police said the value exceeds $10,000.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Hazel Park PD investigating five home break-ins, $10K in stolen appliances

Investigators are asking anyone with surveillance footage or any information to come forward so they can catch the crooks.

Michael Grabke lives next to one of the targeted vacant homes on Chestnut Avenue.

The neighborhoods quiet. Thats why its kind of unusual to have something happen like this. Maybe its too quiet, he said.

Grabke said it hasnt been unusual to see work trucks in and out of the driveway as contractors fix up the home, so it can be rented out.

My wife called me and she goes, Hey, theres police here,'" he recalled.

The house next door. All their appliances got stolen or taken out and they want to talk to you, Grabke continued.

Seth Smith lives two doors down from a home hit on Vance Avenue.

People should not be going into other peoples houses, especially if youre just going to go in and steal other peoples appliances or whatever it may be. Its not yours to take," he told 7 News Detroit.

The three other properties are on Hazelwood, Harry and Hayes. Residents on Hayes said crooks broke into a newly built home for sale sometime Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

I feel like theres probably occurrences like this in metro Detroit areas ya know, big cities, and its bound to happen. So, I dont know. I still feel pretty safe as long as proper precautions are taken, Cora Wallen said.

7 News Detroit discovered three of the properties are managed by the same company. We reached out to all three property managers over the five impacted homes. Its unclear at this time if theres a deeper connection or how the thieves are choosing their targets, like using online ads.

I told everybody, I go, we better start locking our doors because usually, we dont lock our doors. Its a quiet neighborhood, Grabke said.

I wish our camera captured something. We havent asked the rest of the neighbors yet to see what they got on their camera. Its unfortunate, but I hope it stops, he said.

Anyone with surveillance footage or any information can call Hazel Park police at 248-542-6161.

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