FBI arrests Minnesota teenager over alleged Mall of America attack plot

The short version

• Federal authorities arrested 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud in Richfield, Minnesota, during an arranged weapons transaction.[Associated Press · CBS News · Fox News]
• Mohamud is charged with receiving a firearm and ammunition intending to commit a federal crime of terrorism.[CBS News · Fox News]
• Investigators allege he pledged loyalty to ISIS and planned a mass shooting targeting an October 24 event at the Mall of America.[CBS News · Fox News]
• Prosecutors claim the suspect sought to kill dozens of people following an FBI investigation dating back to December 2024.[Associated Press · CBS News · Fox News]

Key facts

• Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested in Richfield, Minnesota, after purchasing an AK-47-style rifle and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.[Associated Press · CBS News · Fox News]
• Mohamud faces federal charges for knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a felony and federal crime of terrorism.[CBS News · Fox News]
• According to court documents, Mohamud discussed executing a mass shooting at the Mall of America during the Hmong Arts Celebration on October 24.[CBS News · Fox News]
• The FBI probe began around December 2024 and involved communications with a confidential informant over social media and encrypted messaging.[CBS News · Fox News]
• A federal prosecutor alleged that the defendant intended to kill between 30 and 60 people.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Mall of America terror plot thwarted, suspected ISIS sympathizer arrested, FBI announcesFox News
• FBI says it thwarted an attack on the Mall of America by a teen it supplied with an assault rifleAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press
• Man eyed Mall of America for attack, pledged allegiance to ISIS, FBI saysCBS News - US
• Amy Klobuchar calls for major anti-terrorism investments after alleged Mall of America plotFox News
• FBI says it thwarted terrorist attack in Minnesota by an 18-year-old it supplied with an AK-47The Guardian - US
• GOP Senate hopeful sounds alarm after alleged Mall of America terror plot thwartedFox News
• Minnesota Senate hopeful warns threat level rising amid rash of Somali gang crime, terror plotFox News