Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud Arrested, 18, Accused of Mall of America Terrorist Attack

Federal authorities have arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man accused of planning a terrorist attack at the Mall of America, with investigators alleging he intended to carry out a mass shooting inspired by the Islamic State. The suspect, identified as Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, was taken into custody on October 6 in Richfield, Minnesota, after allegedly obtaining a firearm and ammunition from an undercover FBI operative.

Mohamud, a U.S. citizen born in 2008, is the son of Somali immigrants who subsequently became naturalized American citizens, according to federal sources cited by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin.

His parents reportedly arrived in New York in 2000 and obtained U.S. citizenship in 2010 and 2017, respectively. Federal officials have not publicly disclosed the circumstances of their initial entry into the country.

Investigators allege that Mohamud developed an interest in violent extremist organizations, including al-Shabaab, a terrorist group operating primarily in Somalia, and the Islamic State, commonly known as ISIS.

The FBI reportedly began examining his activities in December 2024 after a confidential source established contact with him through social media and encrypted messaging platforms.

According to court documents, their conversations took place across applications including TikTok, Telegram, and Discord, allowing investigators to monitor his alleged extremist statements and plans.

Mohamud initially expressed interest in traveling to Somalia to join a terrorist organization. During those discussions, he allegedly said he wanted to marry and “fight the enemies of Allah.”

Investigators also obtained a video in which Mohamud reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS, further raising concerns about his alleged radicalization.

By the middle of 2025, authorities say his plans had shifted. Unable to afford international travel, Mohamud allegedly began discussing the possibility of carrying out an attack closer to home.

His communications reportedly included references to previous acts of mass violence, including the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando and the January 2025 terrorist attack in New Orleans. He also allegedly expressed a desire to be “martyred.”

In May 2025, FBI agents visited Mohamud’s family residence after learning about extremist material he allegedly circulated online. His mother reportedly told investigators that he had not returned from school.

According to federal prosecutors, his father declined to meet with the agents and indicated that he would refer the matter to an attorney. The Justice Department subsequently confirmed that his parents did not participate in an interview at that time.

Investigators allege that Mohamud eventually selected the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, as his intended target. Court filings indicate he referenced the mall’s perceived Jewish ownership, writing that it was “owned by jewish.”

He also reportedly suggested that killing “even 30 people” could discourage others from visiting the shopping center, indicating an intention to create widespread fear.

Authorities say Mohamud later focused on the Hmong Arts Celebration scheduled for October 24, believing the event would attract “a lot of people.” Investigators allege he discussed killing between 30 and 60 individuals.

The investigation culminated on October 6 when Mohamud allegedly met an undercover FBI employee whom he believed to be associated with ISIS. During the encounter, authorities say he exchanged $600 for a disabled AK-47-style rifle, four magazines, and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.

Federal agents arrested Mohamud shortly after the transaction, preventing the alleged attack from proceeding. The rifle provided during the operation had been rendered inoperable.

Mohamud made his initial federal court appearance in St. Paul on October 7. He faces a federal charge involving the receipt of a firearm and ammunition with knowledge or reason to believe they would be used to commit a felony and a federal terrorism offense.

A magistrate judge ordered him held in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for October 19. He has been assigned a federal public defender.

The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and Mohamud is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Federal authorities have not alleged that his parents participated in the suspected plot.