FBI Arrests Minnesota Teen Accused of Plotting ISIS-Inspired Mass Shooting at Mall of America

The FBI has arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man accused of planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, of Richfield, Minnesota, faces one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism. FBI agents arrested him on October 6. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright the following day.

Alleged Mall of America Attack Plan

According to the criminal complaint, Mohamud began exchanging messages with a confidential source around December 2024. Investigators say the exchanges spanned multiple social media and messaging applications.

Mohamud allegedly expressed a desire to travel to Somalia and join a foreign terrorist organization. He also discussed carrying out a mass-casualty attack in Minnesota if he could not travel overseas.

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In July 2026, he allegedly identified the Mall of America as a target. According to the complaint, he discussed killing 30 to 60 people to discourage others from visiting the shopping complex.

Investigators Cite October 24 as Planned Attack Date

The complaint says Mohamud later discussed buying a firearm and recruiting others to help carry out the attack. Investigators allege that he identified October 24 as the planned date.

During those conversations, Mohamud referred to an event at the mall called the Hmong Arts Celebration. He also allegedly expressed hostility toward non-Muslims and shared ISIS propaganda videos with the confidential source.

Authorities further allege that Mohamud sent a video pledging allegiance to ISIS. He also discussed attacks at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Bondi Beach in Australia, and New Orleans.

FBI Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest

On October 6, the FBI arranged an undercover transaction involving an AK-47-style rifle, four 30-round magazines and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.

Before the transaction, agents rendered the rifle inoperable. According to the complaint, Mohamud paid about $600 in cash and took possession of the items. Investigators say he reaffirmed his plan to attack people at the Mall of America during the transaction.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised investigators for intervening before the alleged attack. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg and U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen also stressed the seriousness of the alleged plot.

Federal Agencies Investigate Case

The FBI, Joint Terrorism Task Force and Bloomington Police Department investigated the case. IRS Criminal Investigation also assisted.

Trial Attorney Ryan White of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar are prosecuting the case.

The criminal complaint contains allegations, not proof of guilt. Mohamud remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt in court.