Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an 18-year-old Minnesota man, has been arrested and federally charged after authorities say he planned a mass-casualty attack at the Mall of America in Bloomington. Federal officials announced the case October 7, 2026, saying an undercover operation disrupted the alleged plot before an attack could occur.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Mohamud was arrested October 6 after allegedly obtaining a firearm and ammunition that prosecutors say he intended to use in a terrorist attack. He faces one federal count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition with the intent that they be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism.
Federal investigators say they had been monitoring Mohamud since December 2024, when he allegedly began communicating with a confidential source through social media and encrypted messaging applications. Prosecutors allege that he initially expressed an interest in traveling to Somalia to join a designated foreign terrorist organization. When he was unable to travel, investigators say his focus shifted toward carrying out an attack in Minnesota.
The federal complaint alleges that Mohamud eventually identified the Mall of America as a potential target. Prosecutors say he discussed killing between 30 and 60 people and identified October 24 as a possible date for the attack. That date coincides with a scheduled Hmong Arts Celebration at the shopping center.
Investigators further allege that Mohamud communicated his support for ISIS and sent a video in which he pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization. Authorities say his messages also referenced previous terrorist attacks and indicated an intention to carry out mass violence against civilians. These allegations are contained in the criminal complaint and have not been proven in court.
On October 6, the FBI arranged a controlled purchase involving an undercover employee whom Mohamud allegedly believed was connected to ISIS. According to prosecutors, the undercover employee provided an inert AK-47-style rifle, four magazines and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition. Mohamud allegedly paid about $600 and was arrested shortly afterward.
Mohamud made his initial federal court appearance October 7 in St. Paul. A detention hearing is scheduled for October 19, when the court is expected to consider whether he should remain in custody while the case proceeds.
The investigation involved the FBI, Joint Terrorism Task Force and Bloomington Police Department, with assistance from IRS Criminal Investigation. Federal officials credited the investigation with identifying the alleged threat before an attack could take place.
The Mall of America has not been the scene of a completed attack connected to this case. Instead, authorities say the alleged plan was disrupted during the investigation. The case has nevertheless prompted renewed attention to domestic radicalization and the importance of identifying potential threats before violence occurs.
Mohamud is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The federal complaint contains allegations rather than final findings, and the prosecution will now proceed through the U.S. justice system.
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