BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Federal authorities are investigating a reported terror attack plot that possibly involved Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, as a potential target. This revelation surfaces from a criminal complaint and statements released by Six Flags on Wednesday, highlighting the implications of the alleged threats following the arrests of three men from Dearborn, Michigan, earlier this week.
While specific references to Cedar Point are absent from the criminal complaint, documents indicate that the targeted amusement park is located in the Midwest and identifies key attractions related to Cedar Point’s popular Halloween season.
In response to an inquiry made by the Sandusky Register Newspaper, Six Flags spokesperson Tony Clark confirmed the connection, stating, “The safety and security of our guests and associates is a top priority. Cedar Point assisted the FBI in this investigation, as the individuals were recently observed on park property.”
Clark further emphasized that although no credible threats to guests or staff were identified, Cedar Point’s advanced security measures proved crucial in gathering pertinent information for investigators.
The criminal complaint outlines charges against Momed Ali, Majed Mahmoud, and Ayob Nasser, who are accused of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist group and conspiring to illegally acquire firearms for acts of terrorism.
The case is being prosecuted in Michigan’s U.S. District Court.
According to law enforcement reports, Nasser and an unidentified accomplice visited Cedar Point on two occasions in September.
On September 18, they were turned away by staff and returned the following day, where they purchased tickets and waited in the parking lot until instructed to leave.
Surveillance footage allegedly captured Ali arriving separately and displaying suspicious behavior before departing.
Further investigative efforts revealed troubling online searches from a computer seized at Nasser and Ali’s residence, including a query regarding crowd levels at the park during Halloween weekends—actions deemed by law enforcement to be consistent with scouting for a potential attack site.
This alarming plot follows the suspects’ earlier links to an attempted attack on LGBTQ+ clubs in suburban Detroit, where they were reported to have acquired firearms and related equipment. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised federal agents for thwarting what could have been a tragic event.
Nasser made his initial court appearance on Thursday, though it is unclear if he entered a plea. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, as the investigation continues to unfold.