UPDATED: Feds: Michigan terror suspects scouted Cedar Point

SANDUSKY — Did suspects in a recent alleged terror attack plot in Michigan travel to Cedar Point to scout the Sandusky amusement park as a possible attack site? Federal court records and a statement from Six Flags released Wednesday appear to indicate so. A criminal complaint does not identify Cedar Point by name but states that the amusement park allegedly targeted by the men resides in the Midwest, several hours away from Dearborn, Michigan — the city where the suspects reside and were arrested earlier this week — and specifically identifies the name of the Sandusky-based park's hallmark seasonal Halloween attraction. A statement provided to the newspaper by Six Flags spokesman Tony Clark confirms the link between the terror suspects and Cedar Point: The safety and security of our guests and associates is a top priority. Cedar Point assisted the FBI on this investigation, as the individuals were recently observed on park property. Although there was no substantiated threat to the park, guests or associates, Cedar Point's advanced security and surveillance capabilities provided important additional information to investigators. Together with additional third-party experts, the park took immediate and appropriate action to ensure the continued safety of all on (the) property. What's alleged The suspects, in a case being heard in Michigan's U.S. District Court, are identified as Momed Ali, Majed Mahmoud and Ayob Nasser. The men are charged with conspiracy to provide material to support a foreign terrorist group and with conspiring to receive and transfer firearms that would be used to commit an act of terrorism. In that criminal complaint, a law enforcement official wrote that Nasser and another unidentified person visited the park on two days in September. On Sept. 18, the pair was at the park's parking lot around noon when both were turned away by park staff. The next day, Sept. 19, Nasser and the unidentified person returned to the park and purchased single-admission tickets around noon. A park worker approached the pair, who were standing in the parking lot, and informed them they had to wait in their car or leave until the park opened. At some point that day, Ali allegedly arrived at the park in a separate vehicle and was recorded on surveillance footage before leaving. Authorities believe Nasser and the unidentified person left the area of the park around 5:40 p.m., before the park opened. Authorities allegedly uncovered more from a computer seized during a search warrant of Nasser and Ali's residence in Michigan. "Someone used the computer to search 'is it crowded on halloweekend at (amusement park)?" the agent wrote. The agent added that, based on his training and experience, he believed the suspects' actions were consistent with allegedly scouting the park as a possible attack location. The revelations come after Ali and Mahmoud were linked to an attack plot at LGBTQ+ clubs in suburban Detroit after purchasing firearms, ammunition and gear. Federal agents searched a Dearborn residence and the suspects were under surveillance from the FBI prior to their arrests, which were announced by FBI Director Kash Patel earlier this week. "Our American heroes prevented a terror attack," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said previously on X. According to federal court records, Nasser had an initial appearance on Thursday. It's not clear if he entered a plea at that hearing. Nasser's next court date is a detention hearing set for Monday. Officials react The Register sought comment on the situation from city and local law enforcement officials. Here's what two of them had to say: • Dick Brady, Sandusky city commission president and ex officio mayor: "Our law enforcement officers take any threat to our city residents and visitors very seriously. Each year, I have been assured by our law enforcement and by Six Flags that they train for and have detailed plans in place to deal with terrorism situations should they arise. In this situation, Cedar Point employees acted appropriately with the information they had when these individuals were at the park." He continued: "As a city, our commitment to work with all governing bodies and law enforcement agencies remains a top priority. The reality of our world today is that law enforcement has to be right all of the time, and the bad guys only have to be right once. The Sandusky Police Department and our city leadership will continue to work diligently to keep our community safe. We are grateful to the FBI and the Department of Justice for their swift action in uncovering this plot." • Jared Oliver, Sandusky police chief: "The Sandusky Police Department assisted the FBI and worked in coordination with Cedar Point staff regarding this investigation. Although there was no direct threat to the amusement park, the Sandusky Police Department, the FBI and Cedar Point staff took immediate and appropriate action to protect everyone on the property." Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this news story.