Federal authorities have arrested an 18-year-old man, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, accused of plotting a terrorist attack at the Mall of America and pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group. The arrest occurred on Tuesday after Mohamud purchased an AK-47, 200 rounds of ammunition, and four 30-round magazines from an informant, with the intent of carrying out a mass shooting.
According to an affidavit unsealed on Wednesday, Mohamud had communicated with the informant for nearly two years, expressing his hatred for non-Muslims and his desire to support an Islamic terror group. He considered joining al Qaeda and al Shabaab before deciding to support the Islamic State.
The complaint alleges that Mohamud admired several terrorist attacks, including the New Year’s Eve 2024 attack in New Orleans, the 2017 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, and a 2025 mass shooting during a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney. He expressed a desire to travel to Somalia to join the Islamic State but shifted his focus to committing violence domestically when he realized he could not afford to travel.
In September, the informant attempted to dissuade Mohamud from carrying out an attack, but he responded, “I am 100% committed to the cause of dying for the sake of Allah only.” Messages indicated he planned to target the Hmong Arts Celebration at the Mall of America on October 24, aiming to kill 30 to 60 people.
The informant facilitated the purchase of the rifle and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent. During this transaction, Mohamud claimed to be “an active member of ISIS” and stated that part of his motivation was the belief that the Mall of America was owned by Jews.
Christopher Dotson, special agent in charge of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, commented on the messages allegedly sent by Mohamud, describing them as chilling and indicative of ideologically motivated violence and hatred towards other faiths. Dotson noted that the FBI had sought to meet with Mohamud’s parents last year due to concerns about his online radicalization, but they declined the intervention.
Mohamud is currently in custody and faces charges in federal district court for purchasing a firearm to commit a crime of terrorism in support of a designated foreign terrorist organization.
A spokesperson for the Mall of America issued a statement regarding the incident, expressing gratitude to the FBI and law enforcement for their efforts in identifying and disrupting the threat. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of safety and security for all visitors and workers at the Mall of America and stated that they maintain multiple layers of security in collaboration with law enforcement partners.