FBI thwarts planned terror attack at Mall of America

(MINNESOTA) – The FBI has stopped a planned terrorism attack at the Mall of America in Minnesota. 

Officials say 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, of Minnesota, had expressed desire to carry out the mass-casualty attack because he claimed the mall was owned by Jews. 

The investigation began back in December 2024 when Mohamud exchanged online messages with a confidential source. 

He initially expressed interest in traveling to Somalia to join a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to court records.

“The defendant stated many times that if he was unable to travel overseas because of a lack of funds, he planned to carry out a mass-casualty event in Minnesota in support of ISIS,” the FBI stated. 

Mohamud allegedly told the confidential source that he planned to carry out the attack on October 24. 

When the confidential source asked about that date, Mohamud allegedly indicated there would be a large number of Asians and other non-Muslims celebrating at the Mall of America that day. 

Mohamud then sent a link to a “Hmong Arts Celebration” that is scheduled for October 24 at the mall. 

In July, Mohamud wrote that he wanted to kill 30 to 60 people. 

As part of the investigation, the FBI organized an undercover firearms sale to Mohamud on October 6. The FBI arrested Mohamud shortly after the transaction.

“During the sale of the firearm and ammunition, Mohamud reaffirmed his plan to use the firearm and ammunition to shoot people at the Mall of America,” the FBI stated.