The Mall of America attack plot was disrupted after an FBI sting led to the Mohamud arrest. Prosecutors allege the 18-year-old discussed an ISIS plot targeting an October 24 Hmong event and obtained an AK-47-style rifle and ammunition from an undercover agent.

FBI says alleged Mall of America attack was stopped before October event

Federal authorities say they disrupted an alleged ISIS-inspired mass shooting planned for the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, arresting an 18-year-old US citizen after a nearly two-year counterterrorism investigation.

Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested October 6 after allegedly taking possession of an AK-47-style rifle, magazines and about 200 rounds of ammunition during an undercover operation in Richfield. Contrary to some early accounts describing him as 30, court reporting and federal authorities identify Mohamud as 18. He has been charged with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition while knowing or having reason to believe they would be used in a felony or federal crime of terrorism. 

FBI sting

Investigators had been monitoring Mohamud since December 2024 after a confidential source began communicating with him. According to prosecutors, he initially discussed travelling to Somalia to fight with extremist organisations but later shifted toward carrying out violence inside the United States when overseas travel appeared difficult.

Federal officials allege that his messages increasingly expressed support for ISIS and a desire to commit a mass-casualty attack. US Attorney Daniel Rosen said investigators believed Mohamud intended to kill between 30 and 60 people. All allegations remain unproven unless established in court. 

ISIS plot

Court filings allege Mohamud praised previous mass-casualty attackers and discussed obtaining weapons for an attack in Minnesota. Prosecutors also say he targeted the Mall of America partly because he mistakenly believed it was Jewish-owned and expressed antisemitic and anti-non-Muslim views.

Authorities say the alleged plan became more concrete during the summer of 2026. By August, investigators allege Mohamud was discussing firearms and arranging to obtain weapons through a source he believed was connected to ISIS. 

Hmong event

Investigators say October 24 emerged as a potential attack date because the Mall of America was scheduled to host a Hmong Arts Celebration expected to draw a large crowd.

According to the complaint, Mohamud allegedly identified the event as an opportunity to cause mass casualties. The mall said after the arrest that it maintains multiple layers of security and continues to cooperate with local, state and federal law enforcement. 

Mohamud arrest

On October 6, an undercover FBI employee allegedly supplied Mohamud with the rifle, magazines and ammunition during a controlled transaction. Agents arrested him shortly afterward as he left the vehicle.

FBI officials described the operation as the culmination of a lengthy investigation designed to prevent violence before the alleged plan reached the attack stage. Mohamud appeared in federal court on October 7 and remained in custody, with further proceedings scheduled. 

Minnesota counterterrorism case

Authorities also revealed that the FBI had previously attempted to speak with Mohamud's family after concerns arose about extremist material he allegedly shared online. Federal officials used the case to urge families to take radicalisation warnings seriously.

The case remains at the allegation stage. Prosecutors must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and the newly unsealed complaint represents the government's account of the investigation rather than a finding of guilt.