BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The FBI has arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man who authorities say was plotting an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America — allegedly buying an AK-47 and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from an undercover agent and naming Oct. 24 as the date he planned to kill 30 to 60 people.
TL;DR: Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, of Richfield, Minnesota, was arrested Oct. 6 after allegedly purchasing an AK-47, four 30-round magazines, and about 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover FBI agent. He was charged Oct. 7 with receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism. The DOJ says he discussed the plot since December 2024 and wanted to emulate the Pulse nightclub and 2025 New Orleans attacks.
The sting that stopped the plot
According to a U.S. Department of Justice release, Mohamud told the undercover agent he planned to use the weapons to kill 30 to 60 people at the Mall of America, the St. Cloud Times reported. He was taken into custody Tuesday, Oct. 6, and charged the next day with one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition in order to commit a federal crime of terrorism.
“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mohamud took substantial steps to plot to murder innocent people in the name of ISIS,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota.
Months of alleged planning
The complaint traces the alleged plot back to December 2024, when Mohamud began exchanging messages across social media and messaging apps with a confidential source. He allegedly expressed a desire to travel to Somalia to join a designated foreign terrorist organization — and, separately, to commit a mass-casualty shooting in Minnesota.
In July 2026, Mohamud sent messages discussing his intent to attack the Mall of America, claiming it was owned by Jewish people and writing that he wanted to kill 30 to 60 people so no one would go there. In September 2026, he expressed a desire to kill “kuffar” — a term for non-Muslims — and identified Oct. 24 as his planned date, saying many Asians and other “kuffar” would be celebrating at an arts event.
“Mohamud allegedly sought to carry out a mass-casualty shooting at the Mall of America, expressing a desire to emulate some of the most horrific ISIS-inspired attacks in the United States, including the atrocities at Pulse Nightclub and 2025 New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg.
Officials respond
“This individual allegedly obtained a weapon he hoped to use in a mass casualty attack in support of ISIS, but this FBI arrested him and put a stop to his plans,” said FBI Director Kash Patel, who cited the bureau’s broader counterterrorism disruptions in the announcement.
Mohamud is charged — not convicted — and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in federal court. The case is being prosecuted in the District of Minnesota.
Sources: St. Cloud Times; U.S. Department of Justice.
Featured photo: Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota. (Image via coaster101.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Mall of America plot?
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, of Richfield, Minnesota, was arrested Oct. 6 on suspicion of buying an AK-47, four 30-round magazines, and about 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover FBI agent as part of an alleged mass-shooting plot.
What was the alleged target and date?
Authorities say Mohamud planned to attack the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Oct. 24, targeting an arts event, with the stated goal of killing 30 to 60 people.
What is he charged with?
On Oct. 7, Mohamud was charged with one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition in order to commit a federal crime of terrorism.
How long was the plot allegedly in the works?
According to the criminal complaint, Mohamud began exchanging messages about violent extremism with a confidential source in December 2024, discussed the mall attack in July 2026, and named the Oct. 24 date in September 2026.
Was anyone hurt?
No. The FBI arrested Mohamud before any attack could occur. The weapons he allegedly bought came from an undercover agent as part of the investigation.
What did officials say about the case?
U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen said Mohamud took “substantial steps to plot to murder innocent people in the name of ISIS,” while FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau “put a stop to his plans” before he could attack.
Is Mohamud convicted?
No. He has been charged and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in federal court.
