FBI Arrests 18-Year-Old Richfield, Minnesota Man Accused of ISIS-Inspired Mall of America Mass Shooting Plot
Northeast Radio SD News – Minnesota State News - Federal prosecutors have charged an 18‑year‑old Richfield, Minnesota, man with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism, following an FBI sting operation that investigators say prevented a planned mass‑casualty attack.
The FBI arrested Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud on Oct. 6, and he made his initial court appearance Oct. 7 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright. According to a criminal complaint, Mohamud allegedly sought to carry out an attack in support of ISIS, a violent extremist organization responsible for widespread harm and loss of life.
Federal officials say Mohamud spent months communicating with a confidential source beginning in late 2024, expressing interest in traveling overseas to join a foreign terrorist organization or, if unable, committing a mass‑casualty shooting in Minnesota. Prosecutors allege he repeatedly referenced the Mall of America as a target.
In July 2026, Mohamud allegedly messaged that he wanted to kill “30 to 60 people” at the mall and discussed attacking during an Oct. 24 cultural event. Investigators say he later sent a video pledging allegiance to ISIS and continued sharing extremist propaganda.
The FBI says Mohamud took concrete steps toward an attack, including planning to recruit others and attempting to purchase a firearm. On Oct. 6, an undercover FBI employee sold Mohamud an inert AK‑47 rifle, four 30‑round magazines, and roughly 200 rounds of ammunition. Agents arrested him immediately after the transaction.
Federal officials credited the Joint Terrorism Task Force and FBI Minneapolis with stopping what they described as a credible, imminent threat.
“Mohamud allegedly sought to carry out a mass‑casualty shooting at the Mall of America,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “We will continue to track down and prosecute ISIS‑inspired terrorists in the United States.”
U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota said the defendant
“took substantial steps to plot to murder innocent people in the name of ISIS.”
The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota are prosecuting the case. Agencies assisting include the FBI, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Bloomington Police Department, and IRS Criminal Investigation.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. Mohamud is presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
