FBI Arrests 18-Year-Old Plotting Terror Attack at Mall of America

The arrest followed an investigation during which Mohamud allegedly communicated his desire to join al-Shabaab or ISIS, ultimately settling on a domestic attack when international travel proved difficult. He specifically selected October 24 for the assault, citing a scheduled Hmong Arts Celebration as the target environment. According to the criminal complaint, Mohamud expressed a desire to kill non-Muslims, falsely claiming the mall's ownership made it a justifiable target.

Before his apprehension, Mohamud allegedly voiced support for a separate January 1, 2025, vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans that resulted in 14 deaths. He was charged with one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit an act of terrorism. Following his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on Wednesday, the suspect remains in custody. The Mall of America, the nation’s largest retail complex, hosts over 500 stores and attracts millions of visitors annually.