FBI Arrests Minnesota Teen for Plotting Mass Shooting at Mall of America

An 18-year-old man from Richfield, Minnesota, was arrested by the FBI on October 6 after being charged with plotting a mass shooting at the Mall of America near Minneapolis. Federal authorities allege that Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud planned the attack in support of ISIS and intended to kill dozens of people at an event later this month.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

Mohamud was charged on October 7 with receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal terrorism crime. According to the complaint, an undercover FBI agent sold him an AK-47 rifle, approximately 200 rounds of ammunition, and four 30-round magazines for $600. Mohamud reportedly told the informant he intended to use these weapons to kill between 30 and 60 people at the Mall of America in late October.

He made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on October 7.

Plot Motivations and Communications

Federal prosecutors revealed that in July 2026, Mohamud sent messages expressing his plan to carry out a mass-casualty shooting at the Mall of America. He claimed the mall’s owners were Jewish and stated his desire to kill 30 to 60 people to discourage others from visiting.

In September 2026, Mohamud expressed a desire to kill “kuffar,” a term referring to non-Muslims, according to the Justice Department. He selected October 24 as the date for the planned attack, citing that many Asians and other “kuffar” would be attending an arts event at the mall on that day.

Statements from Officials

U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen said in a statement, “As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mohamud took substantial steps to plot to murder innocent people in the name of ISIS.” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg added, “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.”

FBI Director Kash Patel stated, “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. We will continue to use every resource we have to detect and prevent acts of terrorism and wipe out their networks all over the country.”

About the Mall of America

The Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States, features a theme park, an aquarium, and more than 500 stores. The planned attack targeted a late October arts event expected to draw a diverse crowd.

Authorities continue to investigate and monitor any ongoing threats related to this case.

The swift intervention by federal law enforcement prevented a potential tragedy that could have resulted in significant loss of life at a major public venue.