Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya has expressed that residents in Minnesota are feeling an increased sense of threat after the FBI arrested an 18-year-old who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and talked about planning a mass shooting at the Mall of America.
Tafoya, who is contesting for a Senate seat currently held by Democrats, took to X to commend law enforcement, stating, “Thank you to @FBIMinneapolis and law enforcement for stopping a potential mass-casualty attack.”
However, she is also using this incident to emphasize her campaign message, stating, “This November, the choice is clear: law and order or more of the same. Common sense or chaos.”
Authorities revealed that Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was under investigation for nearly two years before being caught buying an AK-47-style rifle along with ammunition from an undercover FBI agent.
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen mentioned during a press conference that this individual was radicalized and posed a significant threat. He emphasized that agents were able to intervene before the suspect could execute his intentions to kill possibly dozens of people.
According to an FBI agent’s sworn complaint, Mohamud had repeatedly expressed his desire to carry out an attack against non-Muslims at the mall during a scheduled Hmong arts celebration on October 24. The Hmong community, which has a strong presence in Minnesota, is an ethnic group from East and Southeast Asia.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Tafoya noted, “I hear many concerns from Minnesotans about crime, and regardless of its form, there’s a feeling that the threat level has increased here in Minnesota.” She also referenced the recent gang violence associated with some members of the Somali American community.
She added, “He basically stated that he wanted to target anyone who isn’t a Muslim. He also mentioned that the Mall of America is owned by Jewish individuals.” Tafoya expressed gratitude that this potential crisis was averted.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan released a statement on X detailing her relief that a disaster was prevented and her appreciation for law enforcement’s actions.
Attempts to reach Flanagan’s campaign for further comments on both the arrest and Tafoya’s remarks did not yield a response at the time of publication.
Senator Amy Klobuchar weighed in, saying she was thankful for the law enforcement efforts that thwarted the attack and underscored the ongoing need for significant investments in local law enforcement and anti-terrorism measures.
She stressed the necessity for Minnesota to confront terrorism and violent crime directly, collaborating with federal authorities to ensure safety for residents.
The Republican contender for governor, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, also commended the authorities, expressing gratitude for their work that prevented a dangerous situation. She noted the disturbing reality of young people being led into such extremist paths, remarking on the importance of law enforcement’s vigilance in these cases.
