Teen Arrested Over Mall Plot In USA
18-year-old accused of planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting after nearly two years of investigation.
The FBI has arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man accused of planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America, following a nearly two-year counterterrorism investigation.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, of Richfield, Minnesota, was arrested on October 6 after allegedly obtaining a rifle and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee. He was charged with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition in order to commit a federal crime of terrorism.
According to the criminal complaint, Mohamud began communicating with a confidential FBI source in December 2024 through several social media and messaging platforms. Investigators said he initially expressed interest in travelling to Somalia to join a designated terrorist organization but later discussed carrying out an attack in Minnesota if he could not travel overseas.
Prosecutors allege that by July 2026, Mohamud had focused on the Mall of America and discussed carrying out a mass-casualty shooting there. Authorities say he later discussed recruiting others and obtaining firearms for the planned attack.
The complaint alleges that Mohamud identified October 24 as a possible date for the attack, coinciding with a Hmong Arts Celebration at the mall. Prosecutors say he discussed killing between 30 and 60 people.
The FBI then arranged an undercover transaction on October 6. According to the Justice Department, an undercover employee sold Mohamud an inert rifle, four magazines and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition. Mohamud allegedly paid about $600 and reaffirmed during the transaction that he intended to use the items in the planned attack. He was arrested shortly afterward.
The FBI said the investigation involved the Joint Terrorism Task Force and Bloomington Police Department, with assistance from IRS Criminal Investigation.
Mohamud made his initial appearance in federal court on October 7. The Mall of America said it maintains multiple layers of security and would continue working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The case highlights the role of long-term undercover investigations in identifying and disrupting alleged terrorism plots before an attack takes place. However, the allegations have not been proven in court, and Mohamud is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sadiq Mohsen
NOB Reporter
Sadiq Mohsen is a journalist and reporter with The Daily Tribune in Bahrain, covering a wide range of local, regional and international news. His work includes reporting on Bahrain’s public affairs, community developments, culture, education, technology, sports and major international events. He regularly researches and writes news reports, interviews and human-interest stories, presenting complex developments in a clear and accessible newspaper style. His reporting also involves following breaking news, verifying information from multiple sources and developing timely story angles for print and digital audiences.