Federal authorities arrested 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud in Minnesota. He allegedly purchased an AK-47, 200 rounds of ammunition, and four 30-round magazines to carry out a mass shooting at the Mall of America in support of the Islamic State group. According to an unsealed federal affidavit, FBI agents took Mohamud into custody immediately after he completed the weapons purchase from an undercover employee and a confidential source.
Court documents reveal that Mohamud communicated with an FBI confidential human source for nearly two years. Their conversations initially focused on his hatred of non-Muslims and his support for radical extremist organizations. Investigators stated that Mohamud originally considered joining al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab before shifting his allegiance to the Islamic State.
Investigation Details and Target Selection
The FBI investigation into Mohamud began around December 2024. Throughout months of encrypted messaging and social media communication, prosecutors say the suspect detailed his plans to commit acts of violence on U.S. soil after realizing he lacked sufficient funds to travel overseas to Somalia.
In September, Mohamud told an FBI confidential source that he wanted to carry out an attack on October 24. When questioned about the specific date, court records state he pointed to a scheduled “Hmong Arts Celebration” at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, noting that it would attract a large crowd. Prosecutors noted he expressed a desire to kill dozens of people to maximize casualties.
Inspirations Behind the Plot
According to the criminal complaint, Mohamud expressed admiration for several high-profile mass shootings and attacks. Investigators uncovered references to:
- The New Year’s Eve 2024 attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans
- The 2017 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida
- The 2025 mass shooting at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia
Federal officials also noted that Mohamud sent a selfie-style video to the confidential source pledging allegiance to ISIS and its leadership before arranging the firearms transaction.
The Arrest and Court Proceedings
On Tuesday, Mohamud met with an individual he believed to be a loyal member of ISIS, who was actually an undercover FBI employee. He paid approximately $800 for an AK-47-style rifle, four magazines, and live ammunition. Although the rifle provided by law enforcement had been rendered inoperable, the ammunition was live.
As Mohamud exited the vehicle carrying a duffel bag containing the weapons, FBI agents moved in and arrested him at gunpoint. U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Dan Rosen and FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dodson announced the arrest during a joint press conference.
Mohamud made his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright in federal court. He was temporarily detained and scheduled to return for a preliminary and detention hearing.
Official Responses to the Foiled Plot
Law enforcement leadership and federal officials praised the swift coordination that led to the suspect’s arrest before any violence could occur.
“The American people and the citizens of Minnesota should know from yesterday’s arrest-which was the culmination of an outstanding law enforcement and intelligence operation-that federal law enforcement is standing up to their calling to protect us,” said U.S. Attorney Dan Rosen.
FBI Director Kash Patel also issued a statement highlighting the bureau’s ongoing efforts to disrupt threats domestically and internationally. President Donald Trump addressed reporters to commend the FBI’s handling of the case, stating that federal agents executed a vital operation that successfully safeguarded the public.
