FBI arrests man for plotting mass shooting at Mall of America, planning to join ISIS

The FBI apprehended an 18-year-old man who had planned to execute a mass shooting at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, allegedly in support of ISIS, according to court documents. The suspect, identified as Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, was taken into custody on Tuesday after an undercover FBI agent provided him with an AK-47, four 30-round magazines, and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition for $600, as detailed in the complaint.

Mohamud informed the FBI informant that he intended to use the firearms to kill between 30 and 60 people at an event at the mall in late October, expressing a desire to join ISIS if he could not travel overseas to fight for al-Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization. He also allegedly supported a man who killed 14 people in a truck ramming attack in New Orleans on January 1, 2025, before being shot dead by police.

In July, Mohamud allegedly stated his intent to target the Mall of America due to its Jewish owners and non-Muslim visitors, planning the attack for October 24 to coincide with a Hmong Arts Celebration at the mall. The Mall of America is the largest shopping center in the United States, featuring a theme park, aquarium, and over 500 retail stores.

On Tuesday, FBI agents arrested Mohamud after his purchase of the weapons and ammunition from the undercover agent. Mohamud had his initial court appearance before US Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on Wednesday.