FBI Prevents Planned Attack by 18-Year-Old at Mall of America
An 18-year-old suspect was arrested for attempting to execute a terror attack at Minnesota's Mall of America, thwarted by the FBI.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, was arrested for planning an attack on October 24.
He purchased an AK-47 and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent posing as an ISIS member.
The FBI had been monitoring Mohamud since December 2024 due to concerns about his radicalization.
The FBI successfully disrupted a potential terror attack at the Mall of America in Minnesota, arresting 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud. Authorities reported that Mohamud was apprehended in Richfield after he agreed to buy an AK-47 and ammunition from an undercover agent posing as an ISIS member. This operation took place just days before a scheduled Hmong arts celebration at the mall on October 24.
Mohamud's alleged plot was uncovered through communications with an FBI informant, where he expressed intentions to target non-Muslims at the shopping center. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating that the FBI was able to detect and thwart the threat before any harm could occur. He described Mohamud as a radicalized individual who posed a significant risk to public safety.
The FBI's interest in Mohamud began in December 2024, coinciding with the start of his communications with a confidential source. By May 2025, agents had visited his home due to growing concerns about his behavior. During this time, Mohamud's family was uncooperative, and he expressed admiration for various terrorist attacks, indicating a desire to join ISIS in Somalia, which he later deemed financially unfeasible.
Federal officials have charged Mohamud with receiving firearms and ammunition for the purpose of committing a felony and terrorism. He appeared in federal court in St. Paul, wearing a jail uniform, although it remains unclear if he has legal representation. Rosen highlighted the need for vigilance among parents regarding signs of radicalization in their children, urging them to take any warnings seriously.
The Somali community in Minnesota, which has a significant population, has faced scrutiny over the years due to several individuals attempting to join terrorist organizations. Mohamud's case adds to the ongoing concerns about radicalization within this demographic, as he is charged with planning a mass-casualty attack in support of ISIS later this month.
