FBI arrests 18-year-old for alleged plot to attack Mall of America

Federal authorities have arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man on charges of plotting a mass shooting at the Mall of America. Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was taken into custody on Tuesday following an undercover operation conducted by the FBI.

According to court filings, the arrest occurred after Mohamud purchased an AK-47, ammunition, and magazines from an undercover FBI agent for $600. Prosecutors allege that Mohamud intended to use these items to carry out an attack targeting 30 to 60 people at an event held at the mall in late October.

The criminal complaint states that Mohamud had expressed an intent to travel overseas to fight on behalf of al-Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization. He reportedly told an FBI informant that if he were unable to travel, he planned to conduct a mass shooting domestically. He later indicated an interest in joining ISIS.

In discussions with the informant, Mohamud allegedly expressed support for a January 1, 2025, attack in New Orleans, where a driver killed 14 people by ramming a truck into a crowd before being killed in a shootout with police.

Regarding the planned attack at the Mall of America, court documents allege that Mohamud stated in July that he wanted to kill 30 to 60 people. He reportedly cited the mall's ownership as a motivation, claiming he wanted to target non-Muslims.

Mohamud has been charged with one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition for the purpose of committing an act of terrorism. Legal counsel for the defendant did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations.