Bloomington, MN — Federal authorities say they disrupted a planned terrorist attack at the Mall of America after arresting an 18-year-old accused of trying to buy an AK-47 and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested Tuesday after allegedly paying $600 for the rifle, four magazines and 200 rounds of ammunition. Prosecutors say he believed the seller was affiliated with ISIS.
According to federal investigators, Mohamud had been under scrutiny for nearly two years and initially discussed traveling overseas to join militant groups. When those plans failed, authorities say he shifted toward planning an attack in Minnesota.
Investigators allege Mohamud discussed killing dozens of people and identified the Mall of America as a target. Court documents say he planned to strike on Oct. 24 during a Hmong arts event and had pledged allegiance to ISIS.
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said agents were able to identify and interrupt the alleged plot before anyone was harmed.
Mohamud has been charged with obtaining a firearm to commit an act of terrorism. The allegations have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what first prompted the FBI investigation.
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