Man eyed Minnesota’s Mall of America for attack, pledging allegiance to ISIS, federal prosecutors say
Minnesota Man Charged in Alleged Mall of America Attack Plot
Wertynews.com – Man eyed Minnesota s Mall of America in an alleged planned attack during the Hmong Arts Celebration, according to federal prosecutors. Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested after investigators said he tried to buy a rifle and ammunition for a mass-casualty attack at the Bloomington shopping center.
A federal criminal complaint filed in St. Paul alleges that Mohamud met with an undercover employee to purchase an AK-47-style firearm for $600. Authorities say he left the vehicle with the rifle, four magazines and about 200 rounds of ammunition before agents arrested him.
Prosecutors allege Mohamud received the weapon knowing, or having reason to believe, it would be used in a felony and a federal terrorism offense. The allegations remain unproven, and Mohamud is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Investigators cite messages and undercover operation
The complaint says a confidential human source exchanged hundreds of messages with Mohamud from December 2024 through his arrest. The conversations allegedly took place through social media and encrypted messaging applications.
Federal investigators say Mohamud discussed traveling to Somalia to join al-Shabaab but later said he did not have enough money to make the trip. The filing alleges that he then discussed carrying out an attack in Minnesota instead.
Agents had also contacted Mohamud’s parents in May 2025, according to the complaint. His father allegedly declined to provide information and directed agents to speak with an attorney.
Mall of America and Valleyfair Named in Complaint
The Man eyed Minnesota s Mall allegation centers on the Mall of America, although investigators say Mohamud also discussed Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee. Earlier messages reportedly referenced a possible attack during the Christmas period and buying two pistols online.
According to prosecutors, Mohamud later focused on the Mall of America because he believed it was “owned by Jewish.” The complaint also alleges that he referenced the deadly antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, as inspiration.
Investigators say he identified the Hmong Arts Celebration on Oct. 24 as an event likely to draw a large crowd. The gathering celebrates Hmong arts and community traditions, and the complaint portrays the anticipated attendance as part of the alleged planning.
The filing also describes an alleged reference to video from the 2016 Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando. Prosecutors cite that communication as evidence of alleged intent; no attack was carried out at the Mall of America.
Complaint cites alleged ISIS pledge
Authorities allege that Mohamud posted a video on Discord last month pledging allegiance to ISIS. The complaint includes allegations involving ISIS and al-Shabaab, while the immediate charge concerns the alleged receipt of a firearm and ammunition for use in a felony and a federal terrorism crime.
Federal officials may pursue terrorism-related offenses involving material support for a designated foreign terrorist organization. Whether prosecutors can prove the allegations and meet the legal requirements will be decided through the federal court process.
The arrest occurred before Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dotson were scheduled to hold a news conference about what officials described as a significant counterterrorism law-enforcement action.
FAQ: Alleged Mall of America Plot
What is the Man eyed Minnesota s Mall case about?
Federal prosecutors allege that Mohamud planned a mass-casualty attack at the Mall of America during the Hmong Arts Celebration and attempted to obtain a rifle and ammunition for that purpose.
Was there an attack at the Mall of America?
No. Authorities say Mohamud was arrested during an undercover firearm transaction before any alleged attack took place.
What charges does Mohamud face?
The complaint alleges he received a firearm and ammunition while knowing, or having reason to believe, they would be used in a felony and a federal terrorism offense. Additional legal decisions will be made as the case proceeds.
Where is the Mall of America?
The Mall of America is in Bloomington, Minnesota. It is separate from Valleyfair, the Shakopee amusement park also mentioned in the federal complaint.