Teen Arrested for Alleged Mall of America Mass Shooting Plot
FBI claims suspect pledged allegiance to ISIS and purchased firearms for attack targeting non-Muslims.
Federal authorities have arrested an 18-year-old suspect accused of planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America in Minnesota, with the alleged intent to kill non-Muslims and pledge allegiance to the Islamic State group.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was taken into custody on Tuesday in a Richfield park shortly after purchasing an AK-47, 200 rounds of ammunition, and four 30-round magazines from an undercover FBI employee. He appeared in federal court in St. Paul on Wednesday for his initial hearing.
According to the Department of Justice, Mohamud had been under investigation for nearly two years and had been in contact with a confidential informant since December 2024. During this period, he allegedly expressed his desire to carry out a mass attack on U.S. soil.
Prosecutors stated that Mohamud had discussed his animosity towards non-Muslims and his ambition to join terrorist organizations. He reportedly considered affiliating with al Qaeda and al Shabaab before ultimately deciding to support the Islamic State.
In communications with the FBI informant, Mohamud repeatedly affirmed his intention to attack the Mall of America on October 24, coinciding with a scheduled Hmong arts celebration. He reportedly expressed a desire to kill "maybe 30 to 60 people."
Federal agents were able to detect and disrupt the alleged plot before the suspect could carry out his intentions, according to U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen. In text messages with the informant, Mohamud allegedly detailed his aspirations for martyrdom and discussed acquiring a firearm to "start killing a bunch of white ppl."