FBI Stops Planned Terror Attack

It’s Halloween and almost as a treat for all of us, the headlines out of the FBI are something we can celebrate.

This morning, reports broke that the FBI thwarted a planned terrorist attack in Dearborn, Michigan,  which was set to take place this weekend, likely around Halloween festivities, meaning there would be kids and families out and about.

As reported by Fox News:

The arrests the FBI announced in Michigan related to a potential attack planned over Halloween weekend are tied to international terrorism, a top fed law enforcement source told Fox News. There is no further information available at this time.

The FBI said earlier Friday that it prevented a potential terrorist attack in Michigan, arresting multiple suspects accused of plotting violence over the Halloween weekend.

“This morning, the FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects in Michigan who were allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend,” FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X.

“More details to come,” Patel wrote. “Thanks to the men and women of FBI and law enforcement everywhere standing guard 24/7 and crushing our mission to defend the homeland.”

Now, let’s just take a moment and let that sink in. A potentially large-scale attack was stopped before it could happen. It’s hard not to feel both relieved and sobered by that. Because yes – it’s a big win for law enforcement, but it’s also a reminder that these kinds of threats are still very real in our country.

Here’s the reality: Over the past few years, a lot of Americans have lost faith in the FBI. We’ve watched what felt like endless political investigations – some legitimate, some questionable – and it’s left many of us wondering whether the Bureau is still focused on its core mission: keeping Americans safe.

That’s why this announcement matters. It’s not just about one stopped attack – it’s about rebuilding trust. Showing that the men and women inside that agency can and do still serve the country with honor. It’s important they make these public statements, not for self-congratulation, but for reassurance. Americans need to know that their law enforcement is defending the homeland 24/7.

If the past few years were marked by witch hunts (and no, not a Halloween pun this time) against conservatives, hopefully this marks the start of a new chapter: one where the FBI can get back to good, honest police work. Not chasing headlines or political enemies, as we’ve seen under other Administrations, but stopping real evil before it strikes.

What’s important is that the FBI acted before tragedy struck. And if we’re being honest, that’s something parents, not just across Michigan but the country, needed to hear today. Because Halloween night isn’t just about candy and costumes but also about our kids. And the idea that anyone would plan violence on a night like that is especially horrifying. How would America have changed if not for the FBI’s actions?

Patel’s leadership deserves a mention here. He’s become a controversial figure in some circles – many on the Left are rooting against him hoping he fails – but what he’s showing right now is how to balance accountability with real-world action. It’s one thing to go after bureaucratic corruption, and yes, that work must continue. But if the FBI only looks backward – only investigates political scandals – then who’s watching for the next terror cell? Patel seems intent on making sure his agency can do both: root out corruption and protect Americans. That’s what we’ve needed for a long time.

This is the kind of visible success story that can actually deter future attacks, too. When would-be terrorists see that the FBI is on high alert, that agents are proactively uncovering plots before they happen – it sends a message. “You will not succeed. You will be caught.”

That’s how you win both hearts and minds: through consistency, competence, and clear communication. Today’s Sekulow broadcast included more discussion of the FBI’s arrests and what we know so far about the uncovered plot. We also received updates from Washington, D.C., where my brother, ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow, has been all week, working, speaking, and strategizing with other conservative organizations, such as CPAC, to further the work of religious liberty and end Christian persecution.

Watch the full broadcast below: