FBI ARREST: US authorities have arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man accused of planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America in support of the Islamic State group.
FBI ARREST: US authorities have arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man accused of planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America in support of the Islamic State group.
The FBI said Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested after allegedly purchasing an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from an undercover agent as part of a sting operation.
“This individual allegedly obtained a weapon he hoped to use in a mass casualty attack in support of ISIS, but this FBI arrested him and put a stop to his plans,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.
According to the criminal complaint, Mohamud allegedly intended to kill between 30 and 60 people at the shopping mall, which he reportedly targeted because he believed it was Jewish-owned.
Authorities said he had allegedly discussed his plans with an FBI source through hundreds of messages since 2024 and had also recorded a video pledging allegiance to IS.
Mohamud allegedly identified October 24 as the date for the planned attack and intended to target Asians and other non-Muslims attending a Hmong Arts Celebration at the mall.
US Attorney for Minnesota Daniel Rosen said the suspect had taken significant steps toward carrying out the alleged plot.
“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mohamud took substantial steps to plot to murder innocent people in the name of ISIS,” Rosen said.
Mohamud has been charged with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism. He appeared before a federal judge on Wednesday.
The allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
