Minnesota Teen Charged with Plotting Terrorist Attack

Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an 18-year-old from Richfield, Minnesota, has been charged with plotting a mass-casualty attack at the Mall of America in support of ISIS. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced that Mohamud was charged with one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism.

Mohamud was arrested by the FBI on October 6, 2026, during a sting operation where he attempted to purchase an AK-47-style rifle, four 30-round magazines, and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition for $600. The FBI had rendered the rifle inert before the transaction. He made his initial court appearance before U.

S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on October 7.

Alleged Plot Details

According to the criminal complaint, Mohamud allegedly planned to carry out a mass-casualty shooting at the Mall of America during the Hmong Arts Celebration on October 24. He expressed a desire to emulate previous ISIS-inspired attacks in the United States, such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting and the 2025 New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans.

The FBI's investigation began in December 2024 when Mohamud started exchanging hundreds of messages with a confidential informant through social media and encrypted messaging applications. He expressed his intention to travel to Somalia to join al-Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization, or to conduct an attack in Minnesota if unable to travel due to financial constraints.

In July 2026, Mohamud allegedly discussed his intent to kill 30 to 60 people at the Mall of America, claiming it was owned by Jews. He continued to plan the attack through August and September, discussing the purchase of firearms and recruiting others to join him.

FBI Intervention

The FBI, in coordination with the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Bloomington Police Department, conducted the operation that led to Mohamud's arrest. The FBI Director Kash Patel commended the efforts of the FBI Minneapolis team, stating that their actions likely saved lives and prevented a potential terrorist attack.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg emphasized the seriousness of the threat, noting Mohamud's desire to carry out an attack similar to other horrific ISIS-inspired incidents. U.

S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota praised the work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI in thwarting the plot.

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Mohamud's legal proceedings are ongoing, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.