Mall of America Attack Plot: Minnesota Teen Arrested After FBI Says He Planned ISIS-Inspired Mass Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Federal authorities say they disrupted an alleged mass-casualty attack targeting the Mall of America after arresting an 18-year-old Minnesota man who investigators say was planning to carry out an ISIS-inspired shooting later this month.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, was arrested Tuesday in a public park in Richfield, shortly after investigators say he obtained a rifle and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent.
According to the federal criminal complaint, Mohamud allegedly paid $600 for an AK-style rifle, four magazines and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition. The weapon had been disabled by the FBI before the transaction, while the ammunition remained live.
Authorities Say Mall Was Intended Target
Investigators allege that Mohamud had selected October 24 as the date for the planned attack.
According to the FBI affidavit, he told a confidential source that he wanted to kill between 30 and 60 people. Investigators say he selected the Mall of America in part because he believed its owners were Jewish.
Mohamud allegedly identified a large gathering taking place at the mall on October 24 and sent investigators a link to a scheduled Hmong arts celebration.
Authorities say he intended to use the large gathering to maximize the number of potential victims.
The FBI has emphasized that the attack was disrupted before Mohamud could carry it out.
Investigation Began Nearly Two Years Ago
The FBI’s investigation into Mohamud began in December 2024, according to the criminal complaint.
Court documents say investigators became aware of communications involving Mohamud and later monitored conversations in which he allegedly expressed an interest in ISIS and discussed violent attacks.
According to the complaint, Mohamud had considered traveling to Somalia to join ISIS, but he allegedly told an FBI source that he could not afford the trip.
By the summer of 2026, investigators say his focus had shifted toward carrying out an attack in Minnesota.
He initially discussed possible attacks at the Mall of America or Valleyfair, reportedly considering a date around Christmas. Investigators say he eventually settled on the October 24 event at the Mall of America.
FBI Informant Posed as ISIS Supporter
A key part of the investigation involved a confidential FBI informant who Mohamud allegedly believed was an ISIS supporter.
According to authorities, the informant communicated with Mohamud across multiple messaging platforms and eventually connected him with an undercover FBI agent who could provide a firearm.
Investigators say Mohamud repeatedly discussed his desire to conduct an attack and expressed commitment to carrying out the plan.
The criminal complaint also states that Mohamud recorded a video in which he allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS.
Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest
Federal investigators eventually arranged a controlled purchase.
Authorities say Mohamud met with an undercover FBI employee and paid $600 for the firearm, magazines and ammunition.
The rifle had been disabled by investigators, meaning it could not be used as intended. The ammunition, however, was reportedly live.
According to the FBI, Mohamud again discussed his alleged plans during the transaction.
Agents arrested him shortly after he left the undercover vehicle with the firearm and ammunition.
Officials said the intervention was designed to prevent Mohamud from obtaining a functioning weapon and carrying out the alleged attack.
FBI Says Threat Required Immediate Intervention
Christopher D. Dotson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office, said investigators became increasingly concerned as Mohamud’s alleged plans developed.
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said investigators believed the danger to the public required law enforcement to intervene once they determined that Mohamud had an attack plan and appeared committed to carrying it out.
Rosen also used the case to urge parents and families to take signs of violent radicalization seriously, particularly when federal authorities raise concerns.
No Other Suspects Currently Charged
Authorities say the investigation remains active.
Rosen said investigators are examining whether anyone else knew about Mohamud’s alleged plans or assisted him. At this stage, however, Mohamud is being prosecuted as a single alleged actor.
The investigation will continue as federal agents examine his communications, digital activity and other evidence.
Federal Charge Filed
Mohamud faces a federal firearm charge alleging that he received a firearm and ammunition knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, they would be used to commit a felony or federal crime of terrorism.
The case is being handled in federal court.
Additional charges could potentially be filed as the investigation develops, depending on what prosecutors determine the evidence supports.
It was not immediately clear whether Mohamud had retained an attorney who could comment publicly on the allegations.
Mall of America Attack Prevented
The alleged plot has raised significant concerns because the Mall of America is one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations in the United States and regularly attracts large crowds.
Federal authorities say the investigation prevented a potentially devastating attack before any victims were harmed.
The Mall of America has previously been the subject of security concerns and threats, making the latest investigation particularly significant for law enforcement and the public.
For now, investigators are focused on determining the full extent of Mohamud’s alleged preparations, whether anyone else was involved and how far the plan had progressed.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud has been charged but has not been convicted. The allegations contained in the federal criminal complaint are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
