MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Federal authorities say the FBI disrupted an alleged plot to carry out a mass-casualty attack at the Mall of America after arresting an 18-year-old Minnesota man following an undercover investigation.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, was arrested Tuesday, October 6, in a public park in Richfield, several miles from the Mall of America, according to federal authorities and a criminal complaint filed in the case.
Investigators said Mohamud had been under investigation for nearly two years and had communicated with a confidential FBI informant during that period. Authorities said the investigation focused on his communications and alleged efforts to obtain weapons and ammunition.
According to the criminal complaint, Mohamud allegedly paid $600 to an undercover FBI employee posing as a member of ISIS in exchange for an AK-47-style assault rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition. Authorities said the controlled operation was conducted as investigators worked to determine whether he posed a genuine threat and prevent an alleged attack.
Prosecutors allege that Mohamud repeatedly expressed an intention to attack and kill non-Muslims in messages exchanged with a confidential FBI source. The complaint states that he allegedly discussed killing between 30 and 60 people.
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said investigators identified what authorities described as a serious threat and intervened before Mohamud could allegedly act on his stated intentions. The investigation ultimately led to his arrest following the controlled purchase, authorities said.
As of Wednesday, it was not immediately clear whether Mohamud had retained an attorney who could publicly respond to the allegations. Authorities have not indicated that an attack at the Mall of America occurred or that the alleged plan was carried out.
The case remains in federal court, and the allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been proven. Mohamud is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Authorities are continuing the legal process as the investigation proceeds.