United States authorities have charged an 18-year-old man from Richfield, Minnesota, with planning a mass shooting at a shopping mall in support of the Islamic State group. Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested by the FBI after allegedly purchasing an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from an undercover agent during a sting operation. The operation disrupted the suspected plot, preventing potential harm to the public.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Mohamud allegedly obtained a weapon he hoped to use in a mass casualty attack in support of ISIS, but was arrested before he could carry out his plans. Mohamud reportedly planned to kill between 30 and 60 people at the nearby Mall of America. He targeted the shopping centre because he claimed it was Jewish-owned, and intended to model his attack on previous IS-inspired shootings.
Authorities stated that Mohamud had communicated his intentions to an FBI source through hundreds of messages exchanged since 2024. He also sent a selfie-style video in which he pledged allegiance to IS. Investigators found that Mohamud had selected October 24 for the planned attack and intended to target Asians and other non-Muslims attending a scheduled “Hmong Arts Celebration” at the mall.
Mohamud's planned attack was allegedly inspired by previous IS-inspired shootings, including the 2016 Pulse Nightclub attack in Florida and the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting in Australia. US attorney for Minnesota, Daniel Rosen, stated that Mohamud took substantial steps to plot to murder innocent people in the name of ISIS.
Mohamud faces one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition with the intention of committing a federal crime of terrorism. He appeared before a federal judge on Wednesday. The FBI's swift action prevented a potential tragedy, and authorities continue to investigate the extent of Mohamud's plans.
The arrest highlights the ongoing threat of ISIS-inspired violence and the importance of law enforcement efforts to prevent such attacks. The FBI's use of undercover agents and sting operations has been effective in disrupting potential plots. Authorities continue to work to prevent similar threats from materializing in the future.
Mohamud's case will likely continue to unfold in the coming weeks, with further details emerging about his plans and potential connections to other individuals or groups. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to address the evolving threat landscape.
Key points
- The FBI arrested Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud after he allegedly purchased an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from an undercover agent during a sting operation.
- Mohamud reportedly planned to kill between 30 and 60 people at the Mall of America, targeting Asians and other non-Muslims attending a scheduled “Hmong Arts Celebration”.
- Mohamud faces one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition with the intention of committing a federal crime of terrorism.
