Federal authorities have arrested a man accused of plotting a terrorist attack at Mall of America and pledging his allegiance to the Islamic State group.
According to an affidavit unsealed on Wednesday, FBI agents arrested 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud on Tuesday directly after he purchased an AK-47, 200 rounds of ammunition and four 30-round magazines from an informant with the stated intent of carrying out a mass shooting.
The criminal complaint alleges Mohamud had messaged an informant for nearly two years, discussing his hatred of non-Muslims and his desire to align with an Islamic terror group. He floated the idea of joining al Qaeda and al Shabaab before deciding to lend his support to the Islamic State.
Mohamud repeatedly expressed his admiration for Islamic terrorist attacks, including the New Year’s Eve 2024 attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans; the 2017 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida; and the 2025 mass shooting during a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Mohamud told the informant he wanted to go to Somalia to join the Islamic State, but when it became apparent he lacked the money to travel abroad, he set his sights on martyrdom and committing mass violence at home instead, court documents state.
In September, the informant tried to talk Mohamud out of such an attack. He replied, “I am 100% commited [sic] to the cause of dying for the sake of Allah only.”
Messages indicated he planned to target the Hmong Arts Celebration at Mall of America on Oct. 24 because “it will be a lot of people.” Prosecutors say he aimed to kill 30 to 60 people.
The informant arranged for Mohamud to purchase a rifle and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent. During that transaction, Mohamud explained that he was “an active member of ISIS” and that “part of his motivation was that the Mall of America was owned by Jews,” the complaint states.
“The messages this defendant allegedly sent to others are chilling,” said Christopher Dotson, special agent in charge of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. “They document the idolization of ideologically motivated violence, a callous disregard for the sanctity of human life, a blind hatred of people of other faiths, and a cold commitment to carrying out his vision of violence in our community.”
Dotson said FBI agents had asked to meet with Mohamud’s parents last year when it became apparent he was being radicalized online, but they declined the intervention.
These photos included in a federal affidavit show Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud sporting a black balaclava. (U.S. District Court of Minnesota)
Mohamud is currently in custody and is charged in federal district court with purchasing a firearm to commit a crime of terrorism in support of a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Mohamud made his first appearance before a federal judge on Wednesday afternoon in St. Paul. He’s scheduled to appear before a judge again on Oct. 19.
A Mall of America spokesperson issued this statement on the foiled terror plot:
“We understand today’s news is unsettling and concerning for our guests, tenants, team members and the broader community.
“We are grateful to the FBI and its law enforcement partners for their vigilance and extraordinary investigative work in identifying, disrupting and removing this threat and protecting the community we all share.
“The safety and security of everyone who visits and works at Mall of America has always been our highest priority. We maintain multiple layers of security, both visible and behind the scenes, and will continue to work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
Mall of America
Lue Thao, the organizer of the Hmong Arts Celebration, also provided the following comment:
“It was heartbreaking and emotional to hear the news of the alleged planned attack at Mall of America. As a community member and organizer preparing to bring our Hmong Arts Celebration back on October 24, it was especially difficult to learn about such a serious, alleged threat involving a place where so many families and communities gather.
“The vision of the Hmong Arts Celebration has always been to create a unified space for Hmong artists to express their art and bring people of all backgrounds together.
“I am incredibly grateful to the FBI, local law enforcement and everyone involved in preventing what could have been a devastating tragedy. I also appreciate the Mall of America team for their prompt communication and coordination regarding security and our upcoming event.
“While this news is frightening, we don’t want fear and uncertainty to overshadow the positive work happening within our community. Moments like these remind us why creating spaces that bring people together through arts and culture is so important. We hope people will continue supporting the artists, organizations and community members working to create these opportunities for future generations.
“At its core, the Hmong Arts Celebration is about creating a space for Hmong artists to express their creativity, celebrate their culture, and bring people of all backgrounds together through arts and culture.”
Read the full criminal complaint below.
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