Man eyed Minnesota's Mall of America for attack, pledging allegiance to ISIS, federal prosecutors say
Updated on: October 7, 2026 / 10:37 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota
TL;DR
- An 18-year-old man, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America.
- Mohamud expressed a desire to join al-Shabaab and commit a mass casualty attack in Minnesota, inspired by antisemitic attacks.
- He communicated with an FBI informant over months, pledging allegiance to ISIS and discussing attack plans targeting the Mall of America.
- Mohamud was arrested at gunpoint in Richfield while trying to buy an AK-47 assault rifle, four magazines, and 200 rounds of ammunition.
- Federal prosecutors highlighted the chilling nature of his messages, which allegedly showed idolization of violence and hatred towards people of other faiths.
- Authorities warned parents to heed warnings from law enforcement if they suspect their children are becoming radicalized.