Mall of America Shooting Plot: FBI Arrests 18-Year-Old Minnesota Man in Alleged Attack Plan
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Federal authorities say an alleged plan to carry out a mass-casualty shooting at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, was disrupted before an attack could occur.
An 18-year-old Minnesota man, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, was arrested on October 6, 2026, and charged federally in connection with what prosecutors describe as an alleged plan to carry out a terrorist attack at the major shopping complex.
Authorities have stressed an important distinction: there was no Mall of America shooting connected to this case. Investigators say Mohamud was arrested during an undercover operation before the alleged attack could take place.
Alleged Mall of America Attack Plan
According to the federal criminal complaint, Mohamud had been under investigation since December 2024 after communicating with a confidential source. Prosecutors allege that he initially discussed traveling overseas to join a foreign terrorist organization.
After that plan did not move forward, investigators allege that Mohamud began considering an attack in Minnesota.
By July 2026, prosecutors say he had identified the Mall of America as a potential target. The complaint alleges that he discussed killing between 30 and 60 people and considered October 24 as a possible date because a Hmong Arts Celebration was scheduled at the mall.
Authorities say the FBI later arranged an undercover transaction as part of the investigation.
On October 6, an undercover FBI employee allegedly supplied Mohamud with an AK-47-style rifle, four magazines and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition. Federal officials said the rifle had been rendered inoperable before the transaction. Investigators allege that Mohamud paid approximately $600 before FBI agents arrested him.
Authorities Say Attack Was Disrupted
Federal officials said the investigation prevented a potentially devastating attack from taking place at the shopping center.
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said investigators believed Mohamud was committed to the alleged plan. FBI officials credited the extended investigation and undercover operation with helping authorities identify the alleged threat and intervene before anyone at the Mall of America was harmed.
No injuries or deaths have been reported in connection with the alleged plot.
The Mall of America is one of the largest shopping centers in the United States and operates with multiple layers of security while working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Federal Charge and Court Appearance
Mohamud appeared in federal court on October 7. He faces a federal charge alleging that he knowingly received a firearm and ammunition with the intent to commit a federal crime of terrorism.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for October 19, according to the information provided in the case.
The allegations against Mohamud have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Authorities continue investigating the alleged plan, including whether there were additional individuals involved or other potential threats.
