Federal authorities arrested an 18-year-old man on Tuesday for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America in Minnesota, according to unsealed court documents. Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was taken into custody during an arranged meeting to purchase an AK-47-style rifle and ammunition from an FBI confidential source.
Mohamud faces federal charges after prosecutors allege he discussed attacking the mall in communications spanning over a year. Court records indicate he expressed interest in targeting the facility due to its ownership and planned to carry out the attack during a large public event. The FBI initiated its investigation in December 2024 after a confidential source began exchanging messages with Mohamud about either joining al-Shabaab in Somalia or conducting a domestic attack.
Arrest and Alleged Plan
Mohamud was arrested at gunpoint in Richfield, Minnesota, during the scheduled weapon purchase on Tuesday. According to the federal complaint, he allegedly discussed attacking the Mall of America during the Hmong Arts Celebration on October 24, describing it as a location with "a lot of people." Prosecutors state he communicated his intent to target the mall because it is "owned by Jewish" people, adding that killing even 30 people would deter others from visiting.
The complaint details hundreds of messages exchanged between Mohamud and the FBI source from December 2024 to October 2025. In these communications, Mohamud allegedly expressed his desire to travel to Somalia to fight with al-Shabaab but later shifted focus to domestic attacks due to financial constraints. He reportedly told the source he was acting "for the sake of Allah only" and not for any "worldly matter."
Weapon Purchase and Surveillance
Mohamud allegedly began planning the weapon purchase in August 2025, sending photos of himself to the FBI source to facilitate recognition during their meetup. On October 6, he allegedly met with the source to buy the AK-47 and 200 rounds of ammunition for $600. The FBI affidavit states he considered purchasing two pistols online before settling on the rifle.
Authorities allege Mohamud was inspired by previous attackers, including the New Orleans New Year’s Eve shooter and Omar Mateen, the Pulse Nightclub shooter. He also referenced the 2024 antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, as an influence. The complaint notes that Mohamud’s parents were contacted by the FBI in May 2025, but his father declined to provide information and directed agents to his attorney.
Legal and Investigative Timeline
The FBI’s investigation began in December 2024 after a confidential source initiated contact with Mohamud. Prosecutors allege Mohamud discussed martyrdom in their exchanges, including one message where he stated he wanted to "just start killing a bunch of white ppl." By July 2025, Mohamud allegedly told the source he lacked the funds to travel to Somalia and instead intended to carry out an attack in the U.S.
Court documents indicate Mohamud’s communications with the source included discussions of attacking the Mall of America during Christmas or other high-attendance periods. The complaint states he considered Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee as an alternative target. The FBI affidavit describes Mohamud’s alleged shift from overseas fighting to domestic terrorism as a key development in the case.
Federal prosecutors have not yet commented on the specific charges or potential sentencing guidelines. The case remains under seal, with no additional public statements from law enforcement or Mohamud’s legal representatives.