FBI Stops Mall of America Attack Plot
PHOTO CAPTION: Federal prosecutors identified this image as a screenshot from a video in which Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS. Mohamud was arrested October 6 in connection with an alleged mass-shooting plot targeting the Mall of America. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal authorities say they prevented a planned mass shooting at Minnesota's Mall of America after an 18-year-old accused of supporting ISIS purchased what he believed was an AK-47 rifle and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover FBI agent.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, of Richfield, Minnesota, was arrested October 6 after paying approximately $600 for the rifle, four 30-round magazines and ammunition during an undercover operation.
According to the Justice Department, Mohamud allegedly intended to carry out an attack on October 24, when the mall was scheduled to host a Hmong Arts Celebration.
Federal prosecutors say he discussed killing between 30 and 60 people.
The rifle had been rendered inoperable by the FBI before the transaction, preventing it from being fired.
Mohamud was charged October 7 with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright that same day.
According to the criminal complaint, the FBI investigation traced Mohamud's communications with a confidential source back to December 2024.
Investigators allege that he initially expressed an interest in traveling to Somalia to join a foreign terrorist organization. When financial difficulties prevented him from traveling, he allegedly began discussing an attack inside the United States.
By July 2026, prosecutors say Mohamud had identified the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, as his intended target.
According to federal authorities, he claimed the mall was Jewish-owned and discussed attacking people there in support of ISIS.
During August and September, investigators say Mohamud continued planning, explored recruiting additional participants and sent a video of himself pledging allegiance to ISIS.
Prosecutors allege that he referenced several previous terrorist attacks, including the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, the January 2025 vehicle attack in New Orleans and the December 2025 Bondi Beach shooting in Australia.
In September, according to the complaint, Mohamud selected October 24 for the planned attack after identifying the Hmong Arts Celebration as an event expected to attract large crowds.
Investigators say he repeatedly expressed an intention to kill non-Muslims.
On October 6, the FBI arranged for an undercover employee to sell him the rifle and ammunition.
Authorities say Mohamud reaffirmed during the transaction that he intended to use the weapons to shoot people at the Mall of America.
He was arrested shortly after completing the purchase.
The Justice Department said the investigation involved the FBI, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Bloomington Police Department and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Federal officials credited the investigation with stopping a potential mass-casualty attack before it could occur.
The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court. Mohamud is presumed innocent unless convicted.
(Source: OAF Nation)
