Minnesota teen accused of plotting terror attack at Mall of America to remain jailed

An 18-year-old Minnesota teen, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, accused of plotting to carry out a terror attack at the Mall of America, will remain in custody, according to a federal judge's ruling on Monday. Prosecutors allege Mohamud planned the attack to take place on October 24, when a Hmong community arts celebration was scheduled at the Mall of America.

Mohamud was arrested on October 6 after purchasing an AK-47, 200 rounds of ammunition, and four 30-round magazines from an undercover FBI employee. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce Foster ruled that Mohamud is a flight risk and a risk to the community, and therefore must remain in custody. Mohamud's attorney argued for a halfway house setting with GPS monitoring and internet access restrictions, but the judge rejected that request.

The FBI had been monitoring Mohamud since December 2024, when he began communicating with a confidential informant. The judge found that Mohamud was committed to carrying out the attack and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group during his arrest.