MINNEAPOLIS — Federal authorities say they stopped an alleged ISIS inspired terrorist attack targeting the Mall of America after arresting an 18 year old Minnesota man accused of planning to kill dozens of people.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested Tuesday in Richfield, Minnesota, after allegedly purchasing an AK 47 style rifle and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover FBI employee posing as an ISIS member.
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen announced the charges Wednesday, saying investigators disrupted the alleged plot before Mohamud could carry out his plan.
According to federal prosecutors, Mohamud allegedly intended to kill “maybe 30 to 60 people.”
Mall of America Allegedly Selected as Target
Federal court records allege Mohamud planned to carry out the attack October 24 during the Hmong Arts Celebration at the Mall of America in Bloomington.
The FBI had reportedly been investigating Mohamud since December 2024.
Authorities say he initially discussed traveling overseas to join and fight alongside terrorist organizations, including al Shabaab. Prosecutors allege he later shifted toward carrying out an attack inside the United States.
Investigators say Mohamud communicated with an FBI confidential source about targeting non Muslims and eventually identified the Mall of America as his intended target.
Authorities allege he paid $600 for the rifle and ammunition during the undercover operation.
Agents arrested him shortly afterward.
Authorities Say Attack Could Have Been Devastating
The Mall of America attracts millions of visitors every year and remains one of the country’s most recognizable shopping and entertainment destinations.
An attack inside the complex could have produced devastating consequences.
“This was a radicalized young man who needed to be watched,” Rosen said while praising investigators for detecting and disrupting the alleged threat.
Mohamud faces a federal charge related to receiving a firearm and ammunition while knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a felony and federal terrorism crime.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Mohamud is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
A Biblical Perspective
Scripture recognizes government’s responsibility to confront those who would harm innocent people.
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid.” Romans 13:4 KJV
We should thank God when innocent lives are protected while continuing to pray for wisdom among those responsible for confronting terrorism.
Where We Stand
At Political Pulpit, we believe Americans should take threats from violent extremist organizations seriously.
ISIS has demonstrated the destructive consequences of terrorist radicalization around the world. Law enforcement must remain vigilant when credible threats emerge.
At the same time, Americans should distinguish violent extremist ideology from peaceful people and communities who reject terrorism.
This case should now move through the justice system based on evidence, due process and the rule of law.
Most importantly, dozens of families may have been spared unimaginable tragedy because investigators intervened before the alleged attack occurred.
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The time to speak is now, the time to act is now. The time to pray for protection, wisdom and the safety of America is now.
