18-Year-Old Arrested for Alleged ISIS-Linked Attack at Mall of America in Minnesota

Federal authorities have arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man accused of planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America in support of the Islamic State terrorist organization, commonly known as ISIS. Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, of Richfield, Minnesota, was taken into custody Tuesday, October 6, following an undercover FBI operation involving the purchase of a firearm and ammunition.

According to federal prosecutors, Mohamud intended to attack the popular Bloomington shopping center on October 24, when a Hmong Arts Celebration was scheduled to attract large crowds. Investigators allege the suspect deliberately selected the event because “it will be a lot of people,” suggesting he wanted to maximize the number of potential victims.

Authorities said Mohamud discussed killing between 30 and 60 people during the planned attack. The investigation began in December 2024, when an FBI confidential informant established contact with Mohamud. Over the following months, the two exchanged hundreds of messages through social media and encrypted communication platforms.

Federal investigators say Mohamud initially expressed interest in traveling to Somalia to join al-Shabaab, a terrorist organization affiliated with al-Qaeda. However, financial difficulties reportedly prevented him from traveling overseas. By July 2026, he had begun discussing plans to carry out an attack inside the United States instead.

According to court documents, Mohamud insisted his actions would not be motivated by personal interests or “for any worldly matter,” but rather “for the sake of Allah only.”

Investigators allege he initially considered attacking either the Mall of America or Valleyfair amusement park near Christmas. He also discussed purchasing multiple firearms.

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The complaint further alleges that Mohamud expressed antisemitic motivations, identifying the Mall of America as a target “because it’s owned by Jewish.” His belief about the property’s ownership was not established as fact.

By September, authorities say Mohamud had narrowed his plans to the October 24 celebration. He allegedly studied previous mass shootings, including the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, Florida. “I just walk in and shoot,” Mohamud allegedly wrote while discussing a potential attack.

During the same period, investigators say he shared a video of himself pledging allegiance to ISIS and circulated terrorist propaganda through online messaging services.

The FBI subsequently arranged an undercover firearms transaction in Richfield on October 6. Mohamud allegedly paid approximately $600 for an AK-47-style rifle, four magazines and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.

Federal authorities confirmed that the rifle had been rendered inoperable before the transaction. Agents arrested Mohamud shortly after he took possession of the weapons and ammunition.

Prosecutors charged him with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition with the intention of committing a federal crime of terrorism.

Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said investigators had uncovered evidence of a developing threat and intervened before the suspect could carry out the alleged attack.

FBI Director Kash Patel also addressed the arrest, stating, “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.”

The investigation involved the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Bloomington Police Department, with additional assistance from IRS Criminal Investigation.

Mohamud appeared in federal court in St. Paul on Wednesday, October 7. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for October 19.

The case highlights ongoing concerns among federal law enforcement agencies about individuals becoming radicalized online and allegedly pursuing terrorist violence within the United States.

Mohamud remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Authorities have not reported any injuries associated with the alleged plot.