FBI Arrests Minnesota Teen for Alleged ISIS-Inspired Attack Plot

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have taken an 18-year-old man from Minnesota into custody for allegedly planning an attack influenced by ISIS at the Mall of America.

During a press conference on Wednesday, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Daniel Rosen, announced that Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was arrested on Tuesday and is facing federal terrorism charges.

The federal complaint reveals that Mohamud intended to carry out a mass-casualty attack and had obtained an AK-47-style rifle along with a significant amount of ammunition from an undercover FBI agent.

“I’m pleased to announce that as a result of their tremendous vigilance and professionalism, the FBI yesterday arrested and today we have charged an individual who was planning a mass casualty attack in support of ISIS at the Mall of America later this month,” said Rosen.

According to Rosen, Mohamud expressed a desire to kill “maybe 30 to 60 people.” His arrest is credited to what officials described as an “outstanding” operation involving intelligence and law enforcement.

As per an FBI affidavit, the defendant had met with someone he believed to be an ISIS member, explained Christopher Dotson, the special agent in charge of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. Mohamud, who claimed he was “100% committed,” looked to purchase a weapon for use in a crowded public setting.

The affidavit indicates that Mohamud arranged to buy an AK-47-style rifle along with four 30-round magazines and 200 rounds of ammunition. Instead of finalizing the transaction, he was apprehended by FBI agents.

“Over the course of this investigation, Mohamud repeatedly expressed support of foreign terrorist organizations,” Dotson commented.

Dotson characterized Mohamud’s communications as “chilling,” reflecting a glorification of ideologically-driven violence and a flagrant disregard for human life, alongside an intense animosity towards individuals of differing faiths.

Court documents reveal that Mohamud pledged his loyalty to ISIS leaders and asserted that he had joined the extremist group over a year ago.

“Mohamud allegedly sought martyrdom in carrying out his plans to murder innocent civilians,” Dotson noted.

Rosen informed that Mohamud is an American citizen born in the U.S., though his parents immigrated from Somalia.

This is a breaking story. More updates will follow.