FBI arrests 18‑year‑old for alleged ISIS‑inspired Mall of America shooting plot
Authorities say the teen bought an AK‑47 from an undercover agent and intended to kill dozens at the Mall of America.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The FBI announced Wednesday that 18‑year‑old Sheikhdoon Abdullah Mohamud was arrested in Richfield, Minnesota, after a sting operation uncovered an alleged ISIS‑inspired plot to carry out a mass shooting at the Mall of America.
What happened
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Mohamud purchased an AK‑47 rifle and ammunition from an undercover federal agent. He allegedly intended to kill between 30 and 60 people at the Mall of America, which he said was Jewish‑owned, and planned to carry out the attack on Oct. 24 during a "Hmong Arts Celebration" that would draw Asian and other non‑Muslim attendees. The complaint says he exchanged hundreds of messages with an FBI source since 2024, including a selfie‑style video in which he pledged allegiance to Daesh.
What the reports add
- Gulf News reported that FBI Director Kash Patel said the individual obtained a weapon he hoped to use in a mass‑casualty attack in support of ISIS and that the FBI stopped his plans.
- CBS News echoed the basic facts that the 18‑year‑old planned an ISIS‑inspired shooting at the Mall of America.
What was said
"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 told Gulf News.
"As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mohamud took substantial steps to plot to murder innocent people in the name of ISIS," U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said.
How it came about
The investigation was conducted by the FBI in collaboration with local law‑enforcement agencies. The operation culminated in the purchase of the rifle from an undercover agent, after which Mohamud was taken into custody. The complaint notes that Mohamud had been communicating his intentions for years, citing a video pledge to Daesh and references to prior attacks such as the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting and the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting. He was charged with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism and appeared before a federal judge on Wednesday.
Key facts
- Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, was arrested in Richfield, Minnesota after buying an AK‑47 from an undercover FBI agent. (gulfnews.com)
- Mohamud allegedly planned to kill 30‑60 people at the Mall of America in an ISIS‑inspired attack. (gulfnews.com)
- FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI stopped the suspect’s plans. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com
- [2] cbsnews.com
