Archive · 8 Oct 2026
FBI Arrests Teen in Alleged Mall of America Attack Plot
Authorities say an 18-year-old man planned to attack the Mall of America.
They say he bought a rifle and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee for $600.
The FBI arrested him after the sale.
The complaint says he discussed killing 30 to 60 people at the mall on October 24.
A Hmong arts celebration was scheduled there that day.
Reports say he discussed ISIS and possibly travelling overseas to join militant groups.
He has been charged with receiving weapons to commit terrorism.
The case will be decided in court, and the allegations have not been proven.
Authorities say 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested in Richfield after buying an AK-47 and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee for $600.
The complaint alleges he planned to attack the Mall of America on October 24 and discussed killing 30 to 60 people.
The date coincided with a scheduled Hmong arts celebration; reports differ on the alleged intended victims, with some citing non-Muslims and one also naming Asians.
According to court filings, Mohamud discussed ISIS and al-Shabaab, overseas travel, and a possible attack in the United States.
He faces one federal count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit an act of terrorism; the allegations have not been proven in court.
- Who
- Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, was arrested and charged.
- What
- He is accused of planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America and buying a rifle and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.
- When
- He was arrested Tuesday and appeared in court Wednesday; the alleged attack was planned for October 24.
- Where
- The alleged target was the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota; the arrest took place in Richfield.
- Why
- The complaint alleges he wanted to target non-Muslims; Reuters reported that he also cited the mall owners’ Jewish identity.
- Suspect
- Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18
- Arrest
- Tuesday, in 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, when a Hmong arts celebration was scheduled at the mall
- Alleged intended casualties
- 30 to 60 people, according to the complaint and officials
- Charge
- Knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit an act of terrorism
- Investigation began
- The FBI first became aware of Mohamud in December 2024, according to the complaint
Sources
FBI Arrests ISIS Sympathiser For Plotting Mass Shooting At Mall Of America
FBI arrests man for plotting mass shooting at Mall of America
FBI arrests teen after alleged ISIS-inspired Mall of America terror plot: Inside the undercover sting
FBI foils alleged ISIS-inspired plot to carry out mass shooting at Mall of America, arrests teen
