FBI Arrests 18-Year-Old Accused of Plotting Mall of America Shooting
By Andrew Powell (/journals/andrew-powell)
An 18-year-old Minnesota man was arrested after allegedly pledging allegiance to ISIS and purchasing an AK-47-style rifle, magazines and ammunition as part of a planned attack at the Mall of America, according to newly filed federal court documents. According to Fox News, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud allegedly spent months discussing an attack with an FBI confidential source before investigators arranged an undercover weapons transaction. Authorities say he specifically identified an Oct. 24 event at the Bloomington mall as a potential target because it was expected to draw a large crowd. According to an FBI affidavit, Mohamud allegedly told the confidential source in September, "I can’t wait until I kill kuffar man. October 24 is the day insha Allah." When asked about the date, he allegedly pointed to a Hmong Arts Celebration at the Mall of America. The FBI said Mohamud later met with an undercover employee posing as an ISIS-connected individual. On Tuesday, he allegedly paid $600 for an AK-style rifle, four magazines and about 200 rounds of ammunition. The rifle had been rendered inoperable, but the ammunition was live, according to the affidavit. Mohamud allegedly left the meeting carrying the items in a duffel bag before FBI agents arrested him. FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dotson said investigators believed Mohamud intended to use the weapon in a high-traffic public area in support of ISIS. Federal prosecutors charged Mohamud with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition while knowing or having reason to believe they would be used to commit a felony that is a federal crime of terrorism. The investigation began around December 2024, according to investigators. Mohamud initially allegedly discussed traveling to Somalia to join al-Shabaab, but authorities say his plans changed after he said he could not afford the trip. By July, he allegedly told the confidential source he would instead attack the United States. Investigators say he later discussed attacking the Mall of America and other crowded locations before sending a video pledging allegiance to ISIS and its leader. Mohamud appeared in federal court Wednesday for an eight-minute initial hearing. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright ordered him temporarily detained, with a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for Oct. 19. President Donald Trump praised the FBI's handling of the case, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz thanked law enforcement for acting quickly. Mall of America also expressed gratitude to investigators, saying the safety of its guests, employees and tenants remains a top priority. Watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--zFsA4TkF4