Federal authorities announced Tuesday the arrest of an 18-year-old man accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on the Mall of America in Minneapolis, marking the latest in a series of counterterrorism successes touted by the Trump administration.
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud was taken into custody in a public park shortly after purchasing an AK-47 rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover FBI agent posing as an ISIS supporter, according to a federal complaint unsealed by U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen.
The arrest caps a nearly two-year undercover investigation that began when Mohamud allegedly began communicating with a confidential informant, expressing his desire to carry out an attack targeting non-Muslims. Court documents detail a series of text messages in which Mohamud repeatedly affirmed his intent, as well as his support for the Islamic State group.
According to the complaint, Mohamud paid $600 for the weapon and ammunition, which were supplied by the FBI as part of the sting operation. The teenager, who resides in the Minneapolis area, had not yet been assigned an attorney, and it was unclear if he had retained counsel.
Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the operation on social media, writing that Mohamud allegedly sent messages pledging allegiance to ISIS and shared propaganda videos with the confidential source. “These threats are taken extremely seriously and we’re grateful this attack was stopped in its tracks by federal law enforcement who work every day to keep our country safe,” Blanche posted on X.
FBI Director Kash Patel also lauded the investigation, framing it as evidence of the bureau’s proactive approach. “This FBI is finding terrorists BEFORE they can attack Americans — and we will keep using every resource we have to dismantle their networks across this country,” Patel wrote on X. “Outstanding work by @FBIMinneapolis. They likely saved lives.”
The Mall of America, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States, has been a symbolic target for extremist groups in the past. In 2015, a separate plot by a Minnesota man to attack the mall was disrupted by the FBI, and the site has remained a focus of counterterrorism efforts.
The case also underscores the ongoing challenge of homegrown violent extremism, particularly among young individuals radicalized online. Experts note that the FBI has increasingly relied on undercover operations and informants to intercept plots before they materialize, a strategy that has drawn both praise for preventing attacks and scrutiny over entrapment concerns.
Federal prosecutors are expected to bring charges against Mohamud in the coming days, with the case likely to be handled in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. The investigation involved multiple federal and local agencies, including the Minneapolis FBI field office, whose work was singled out by Patel.
The arrest comes amid broader discussions about national security and the administration’s emphasis on aggressive counterterrorism tactics. As the Pentagon expands its operational footprint in other regions, officials here are highlighting the importance of domestic intelligence gathering.
While the immediate threat has been neutralized, the incident serves as a reminder of the persistent vigilance required to protect public spaces. Authorities have not indicated any additional suspects or ongoing threats related to this plot.
