Klobuchar Calls for Increased Anti-Terrorism Funding After Mall of America Plot Disruption
The Minnesota Senator emphasized the need for coordinated investments in federal and local law enforcement to combat terrorism and violent crime.
Senator Amy Klobuchar praised law enforcement on Wednesday following the FBI's arrest of an 18-year-old man accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America. Klobuchar, who is the Democratic nominee for Minnesota governor, stated that the incident underscores the necessity of "major coordinated investments in anti-terrorism and local law enforcement to stop attacks like these."
"Our state must take terrorism and violent crime head on, working with our federal law enforcement and local police departments to keep Minnesotans safe," Klobuchar said in a statement. She has represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate since 2007 and is currently campaigning against Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
The arrest of Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, was announced by federal authorities. Investigators allege Mohamud pledged allegiance to ISIS and had been discussing plans for a mass shooting at the Mall of America for months. According to federal court documents, he purchased an AK-47-style rifle, four magazines, and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover FBI employee on Tuesday. The rifle had been rendered inoperable, but the ammunition was live.
FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the arrest, stating that Mohamud "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." President Donald Trump also commended the FBI's actions, telling reporters that they "did a great job."
Mohamud faces charges including knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition with the intent that they be used to commit a felony and a federal crime of terrorism.