An 18-year-old Minnesota man has been arrested in the United States for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America, one of the country’s largest shopping centres, in support of the Islamic State (ISIS).
According to court documents, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly purchasing an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and magazines from an undercover FBI agent for $600.
Investigators say Mohamud intended to use the weapons to kill between 30 and 60 people during an event at the mall scheduled for late October.
The complaint alleges that Mohamud communicated his plans to an FBI informant through various messaging platforms. He reportedly expressed interest in travelling abroad to fight for al-Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organisation, before later declaring his desire to join ISIS.
According to investigators, Mohamud said he would carry out a mass shooting if he could not travel overseas to participate in militant activities.
Court filings further indicate that he expressed support for the perpetrator of the January 1, 2025, New Orleans vehicle attack, in which 14 people were killed before the attacker died in a shootout with police.
In July, Mohamud allegedly discussed targeting the Mall of America, claiming its owners were Jewish and expressing an intention to kill non-Muslims.
Investigators say he identified October 24 as the intended date for the attack because a Hmong Arts Celebration was scheduled to take place at the shopping complex.
The FBI says Mohamud obtained the rifle, four magazines capable of holding 30 rounds each, and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover agent before officers moved in and arrested him.
He has been charged with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition with the intent to commit an act of terrorism.
Mohamud appeared before US Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on Wednesday for his initial court hearing. His lawyer had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
The Mall of America, located near Minneapolis, Minnesota, attracts large numbers of visitors and houses more than 500 stores, an indoor amusement park and an aquarium.
