3 hrs ago
FBI Arrests Teen After Undercover Rifle Sale in Mall Plot
Authorities say an 18-year-old man planned to attack the Mall of America.
They say he talked with a confidential source about targeting people at the mall on October 24, when a Hmong arts celebration was scheduled.
Prosecutors say he talked about killing 30 to 60 people.
The FBI says he paid an undercover employee $600 for a rifle, magazines, and ammunition.
Agents arrested him after the sale in Richfield.
The complaint says he had also discussed travelling overseas to join terrorist groups.
He appeared in federal court and faces a charge related to receiving weapons to commit terrorism.
The claims are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Eighteen-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested in Richfield after allegedly buying an AK-47, magazines and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee for $600.
The complaint alleges he planned to attack non-Muslims at the Mall of America on October 24 during a scheduled Hmong arts celebration.
Prosecutors say Mohamud discussed killing 30 to 60 people; Reuters reports he allegedly cited the mall owners’ Jewish identity as a reason for targeting the mall.
The FBI first became aware of him in December 2024, and agents visited his home by May 2025, according to the complaint.
Mohamud appeared in federal court and was charged with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit an act of terrorism; the allegations have not been proven at trial.
- Who
- Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, was arrested and charged.
- What
- He is accused of planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America and receiving weapons from an undercover FBI employee.
- Where
- The alleged target was the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota; the arrest occurred in Richfield.
- When
- He was arrested Tuesday and appeared in court Wednesday; the alleged attack was planned for October 24.
- Why
- The complaint alleges he intended to target non-Muslims; Reuters also reports he allegedly cited the owners’ Jewish identity.
Authorities’ account
Case and operation caveats
Alleged threat
Authorities’ account
Authorities say the investigation identified and interrupted a planned attack before it occurred.
Case and operation caveats
The allegations in the criminal complaint have not been established at trial, and Mohamud’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Undercover weapons sale
Authorities’ account
Authorities say the undercover purchase documented the alleged plan and was followed by Mohamud’s arrest.
Case and operation caveats
The FBI employee supplied the weapon and ammunition; the reporting notes that this aspect of the operation may draw attention as the case proceeds.
Key facts
- Suspect
- Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18
- Arrest location
- A public park in Richfield, Minnesota
- Alleged purchase
- An AK-47, four 30-round-capacity magazines and about 200 rounds of ammunition
- Reported price
- $600
- Alleged target date
- October 24, during a scheduled Hmong arts celebration
- Investigation timeline
- The FBI first became aware of Mohamud in December 2024; agents visited his home by May 2025
- Reported intended casualties
- Prosecutors said he had discussed killing 30 to 60 people
- Charge
- Knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit an act of terrorism
Quotes
Daniel Rosen
U.S. attorney who commented on the FBI investigation
“What I would say to parents all over Minnesota, and all over America: If you get any indication, especially if you hear from federal law enforcement — that your son or daughter is being radicalised, to the point where federal law enforcement wants to come and give you that warning, those are warnings that ought to be heeded.”
NDTV
“This was a radicalized young man who needed to be watched.”
livemint.com
NDTV
Sources
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