An 18-year-old Minnesota man has been arrested after U.S. authorities accused him of planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud of Richfield, Minnesota, was charged by criminal complaint with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The FBI arrested Mohamud on October 6, 2026, after an undercover operation involving the attempted sale of an inert AK-47 rifle, four 30-round magazines and about 200 rounds of ammunition.
Federal prosecutors said Mohamud paid approximately US$600 for the weapons and still stated during the transaction that he intended to use them in an attack at the Mall of America.
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What prosecutors allege
The complaint alleges that Mohamud had discussed committing a mass-casualty attack in Minnesota for more than a year.
According to prosecutors, he exchanged hundreds of messages with a confidential source beginning around December 2024 and expressed interest in travelling to Somalia to join ISIS.
The complaint alleges that Mohamud also discussed carrying out an attack in the United States if he could not travel overseas.
In July 2026, he allegedly identified the Mall of America as his intended target and discussed killing between 30 and 60 people.
Investigators further allege that Mohamud sent a video pledging allegiance to ISIS and continued discussing weapons, recruitment and attack planning during August and September.
Prosecutors said he identified October 24 as the intended date of the attack and referenced a Hmong cultural event scheduled at the mall.
How the arrest unfolded
The arrest followed a controlled operation led by the FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Authorities said the rifle provided during the operation had been rendered inoperable before the transaction.
Mohamud was arrested shortly after taking possession of the firearm, magazines and ammunition, according to the Justice Department.
He made his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge on October 7, 2026.
The federal case is being prosecuted by the Justice Department’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.
What the charge means
The charge concerns the alleged acquisition of a firearm and ammunition for use in a terrorism-related offence.
Mohamud has not been convicted, and the allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been tested at trial.
Under the U.S. justice system, the defendant is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The complaint describes alleged statements, online communications and conduct that prosecutors say demonstrate preparation for a planned attack.
Those allegations will now be examined through the federal court process, including decisions about detention, evidence disclosure and any future indictment.
Why the Mall of America was identified
The Mall of America is a major shopping and entertainment complex in Bloomington, Minnesota, south of Minneapolis.
Its large size, public accessibility and frequent events make it a location that can attract attention from people seeking to plan attacks, although the case against Mohamud remains an allegation about an attack that did not occur.
Federal authorities said the investigation prevented the alleged plan from progressing to an actual shooting.
The mall has previously been the subject of security warnings and law-enforcement monitoring because of its profile and the volume of visitors it receives.
What happens next
Mohamud is expected to continue through the federal court process while prosecutors determine whether to seek an indictment on additional or related charges.
A detention decision may address whether he remains in custody before trial, subject to the court’s assessment of the alleged conduct and any applicable release standards.
The investigation may also examine whether anyone else assisted with the alleged planning, recruitment or acquisition of weapons.
Authorities have not announced additional arrests in connection with the alleged Mall of America plot.
The Justice Department said the case resulted from work by federal, state and local agencies operating through the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
For readers in Canada, the case also illustrates how U.S. authorities use undercover purchases, confidential sources and federal terrorism statutes when investigators believe a planned act of violence is moving toward execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Mall of America case?
U.S. authorities arrested Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an 18-year-old man from Richfield, Minnesota.
What is Mohamud accused of planning?
Prosecutors allege that he planned an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America and discussed killing between 30 and 60 people.
When was the arrest made?
The FBI arrested Mohamud on October 6, 2026, during an undercover weapons transaction.
Was anyone injured in the alleged attack?
No attack occurred, and authorities have not reported injuries connected to the alleged plot.
Has Mohamud been convicted?
No. He has been charged by criminal complaint and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against the U.S. Department of Justice announcement and the District of Minnesota federal prosecutors’ official information.
Disclaimer: The allegations described in this report come from a criminal complaint, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.