FBI arrests man accused of plotting Mall of America attack

An 18-year-old American citizen, Sheikhdoon Mohamud, was arrested by the FBI after allegedly planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America in Minnesota, according to court records. The alleged plot involved Mohamud obtaining an AK-47 and 200 rounds of ammunition from an FBI confidential source. He allegedly purchased the weapons with the intention of attacking a festival at the Mall of America, targeting the Hmong Arts Celebration, according to court documents.

Mohamud allegedly expressed his motivation for the attack stemmed from his belief that the Mall of America was owned by Jewish people, stating that if he killed even 30 people, no one would go there anymore. He also allegedly expressed admiration for ISIS and intended to carry out an attack motivated by his anger over the treatment of Muslims following a May attack on an Islamic Center in San Diego.

Mohamud was arrested on October 6 at gunpoint, reportedly leaving an exchange with the confidential source in his vehicle. FBI officials stated that the arrest was the result of a successful law enforcement and intelligence operation, preventing Mohamud from carrying out his intended attack.