Federal authorities have arrested a man accused of planning a terrorist attack at the Mall of America and pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group.
According to an affidavit released Wednesday, FBI agents arrested Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, on Tuesday directly after purchasing an AK-47, 200 rounds of ammunition and four 30-round magazines from an informant with the stated intent of committing a mass shooting.
The criminal complaint alleges that Mohamud sent messages to an informant for nearly two years, discussing his hatred of non-Muslims and his desire to align with an Islamic terrorist group. He floated the idea of joining Al Qaeda and Al Shabaab before deciding to support the Islamic State.
Mohamud has repeatedly expressed admiration for Islamic terrorist attacks, including the New Year’s Eve 2024 attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans; the 2017 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida; and the 2025 mass shooting at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Mohamud told the informant he wanted to go to Somalia to join the Islamic State, but when it became clear he did not have the money to travel abroad, he instead set his sights on martyrdom and carrying out mass violence at home, according to court documents.
In September, the informant tried to dissuade Mohamud from carrying out such an attack. He replied: “I am 100% (sic) committed to the cause of death for the sake of Allah only. »
Posts said he planned to target the Hmong Arts Celebration at the Mall of America on Oct. 24 because “there will be a lot of people.” Prosecutors say he aimed to kill between 30 and 60 people.
The informant arranged for Mohamud to purchase a rifle and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent. During this transaction, Mohamud explained that he was “an active member of ISIS” and that “part of his motivation was that the Mall of America was owned by Jews,” the complaint states.
“The messages this defendant allegedly sent to others are chilling,” said Christopher Dotson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “They document the idolatry of ideologically motivated violence, a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life, a blind hatred toward people of other faiths, and a cold commitment to implementing his vision of violence in our community. »
Dotson said FBI agents requested a meeting with Mohamud’s parents last year when it became clear he was being radicalized online, but they declined the intervention.
Mohamud is currently in custody and is charged in federal district court with purchasing a firearm to commit a terrorism crime in support of a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Mohamud made his first appearance before a federal judge Wednesday afternoon in St. Paul. He is due to appear before a judge again on October 19.
A Mall of America spokesperson released this statement on the foiled terrorist plot:
“We understand that today’s news is disturbing and concerning for our guests, our tenants, our team members and the community at large.
“We are grateful to the FBI and its law enforcement partners for their vigilance and extraordinary investigative work to identify, disrupt and eliminate this threat and protect the community we all share.”
“The safety and security of everyone who visits and works at the Mall of America has always been our top priority. We maintain multiple layers of security, both visible and behind the scenes, and will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal levels.”
Mall of America
Lue Thao, the organizer of the Hmong arts celebration, also commented:
“It was heartbreaking and emotional to hear the news of the alleged planned attack at the Mall of America. As a community member and organizer preparing to bring back our celebration of Hmong arts on October 24, it was especially difficult to learn of such a serious alleged threat involving a place where so many families and communities gather.
“The vision of Celebrating Hmong Arts has always been to create a unified space for Hmong artists to express their art and bring people from all walks of life together.
“I am incredibly grateful to the FBI, local law enforcement and everyone involved in preventing what could have been a devastating tragedy. I also appreciate the Mall of America team for their prompt communication and coordination regarding security and our upcoming event.
“While this news is scary, we don’t want fear and uncertainty to overshadow the positive work happening within our community. Times like these remind us why it is so important to create spaces that bring people together through arts and culture. We hope people continue to support the artists, organizations and community members who are working to create these opportunities for future generations.
“At its core, the Hmong Arts Celebration aims to create a space for Hmong artists to express their creativity, celebrate their culture, and bring together people from all backgrounds through arts and culture. »
Read the full criminal complaint below.
Gn headline
