Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, was arrested after allegedly discussing an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at Minnesota’s Mall of America and purchasing a rifle, magazines and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee. Federal court documents say the Minnesota resident identified October 24 as a possible attack date because a cultural celebration was expected to draw large crowds. The investigation began around December 2024 and involved encrypted messages, social media communications and a confidential human source. Mohamud faces a federal charge related to receiving a firearm and ammunition for use in a felony and a federal crime of terrorism.
| 1) | Arrest follows alleged weapons purchase |
| 2) | Mall of America was identified as a target |
| 3) | Investigation traced alleged extremist communications |
| 4) | Plans allegedly shifted from Somalia to Minnesota |
| 5) | Federal terrorism-related charge filed |
Arrest follows alleged weapons purchase
Federal authorities arrested Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an 18-year-old Minnesota man, after investigators say he bought an AK-47-style rifle, magazines and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee. The purchase formed the immediate basis for the arrest, according to newly filed federal court documents. Prosecutors allege Mohamud knew, or had reason to believe, that the weapons would be used in a felony and a federal crime of terrorism.
The arrest followed an investigation that began around December 2024. Investigators used a confidential human source who communicated with Mohamud through encrypted messaging and social media platforms. The court filing presents the allegations as evidence of an evolving plan, but the charges remain subject to the federal judicial process.
Mall of America was identified as a target
According to an affidavit filed in federal court in Minnesota, Mohamud allegedly discussed carrying out a mass shooting at the Mall of America in Bloomington. The location was selected because of the number of people expected to be there, investigators said.
“I can’t wait until I kill kuffar man. October 24 is the day insha Allah,” the affidavit quotes Mohamud as telling a confidential source.
When the source asked why October 24 had been chosen, Mohamud allegedly referred to a “Hmong Arts Celebration” at the mall. The affidavit says he believed the event would attract “a lot of people.” The alleged plan was disrupted before authorities reported an attack had taken place.
Investigation traced alleged extremist communications
Investigators say Mohamud had spent months discussing violence and possible travel to join an extremist organization. The communications were gathered during the FBI investigation through digital platforms and contact with the confidential source. Authorities allege that Mohamud expressed support for ISIS and discussed fighting in the name of his faith.
The affidavit also describes an earlier focus on leaving the United States to join al-Shabaab, the Somalia-based terrorist organization. In May, Mohamud allegedly wrote that he was “so excited to make hijrah” and wanted to travel to Somalia, marry and “fight the enemies of Allah.” He reportedly planned to work for about six weeks to save $2,000 for a plane ticket.
Plans allegedly shifted from Somalia to Minnesota
Investigators say Mohamud’s plans changed by July after he concluded that he did not have enough money to travel to Somalia. The affidavit alleges that he then wrote, “so i will do attack here,” indicating a shift toward an attack in the United States.
He allegedly discussed buying two pistols online and attacking either the Mall of America or the Minnesota State Fair around Christmas. The later communications identified the mall’s October 24 event as a possible target, according to the court filing. The alleged change in location and timing prompted continued investigative attention and ultimately preceded the controlled firearms purchase.
Federal terrorism-related charge filed
Mohamud is charged with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition while knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a felony and a federal crime of terrorism. The charge is based on the alleged weapons transaction and the broader conduct described in the affidavit.
The case remains active in federal court in Minnesota. The allegations have not been proven at trial, and Mohamud is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted. Authorities have not reported that an attack occurred at the Mall of America or elsewhere in connection with the case.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | An 18-year-old Minnesota man was arrested in an FBI investigation. |
| 2 | Investigators allege he discussed an attack at the Mall of America. |
| 3 | He allegedly bought a rifle, magazines and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee. |
| 4 | The investigation began around December 2024 and involved a confidential source. |
| 5 | Mohamud faces a federal charge tied to alleged terrorism-related weapons possession. |
Summary
Federal authorities say an investigation stopped an alleged attack plan involving the Mall of America before any reported violence occurred. The case centers on communications attributed to Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, his alleged support for extremist organizations and a controlled purchase of firearms and ammunition. The criminal allegations will be tested in federal court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, a Minnesota resident, was arrested in connection with the federal investigation.
What target did investigators identify?
Court documents say Mohamud allegedly discussed attacking the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, including during a Hmong Arts Celebration.
What charges does he face?
He faces a charge of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition while knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they would be used in a felony and a federal crime of terrorism.
Did an attack occur?
Authorities have not reported that an attack occurred. The allegations remain unproven, and Mohamud is presumed innocent unless convicted.
