FBI Foils ISIS Mall Attack Plot in Minnesota
Teen accused of planning mass casualty attack at Mall of America arrested by FBI.
2 min read
Eighteen-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an American citizen of Somali descent, has been charged by the FBI for allegedly plotting a mass casualty attack in support of ISIS at the Mall of America. The suspect was arrested on Tuesday and faces charges related to acquiring an AK-47 rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition with the intent to commit terrorism and provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
FBI Investigation Unveils Plans
According to a press briefing by U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, Mohamud allegedly sought to acquire the weapon and ammunition to carry out a terrorist attack. The FBI and the city of Bloomington police worked together to thwart the plot. Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dotson of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office confirmed that Mohamud had expressed a strong commitment to his ‘planned jihad journey’ and had met with someone he believed was an ISIS member to purchase the weapon.
Messages Reveal Ideological Motives
An affidavit accompanying the criminal complaint revealed that Mohamud had messaged a contact stating his intent to attack the Mall of America, citing its ownership by Jewish individuals. He expressed a desire to harm Jews and hoped to die as a martyr. He also mentioned his fear of being raped in prison if he was captured, which influenced his decision to carry out the attack in the U.S.
Threats and Ideological Support
Dotson described Mohamud’s messages as ‘chilling’ and noted the ‘idolization of ideologically motivated violence’ and ‘blind hatred of people of other faiths.’ The FBI confirmed that Mohamud had pledged his allegiance to ISIS over a year ago and intended to kill between 30 and 60 people at the mall, which is the largest in the nation.
Statement from FBI Director
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the agency is finding terrorists before they can attack Americans, using all available resources to dismantle their networks across the country. The incident underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism in the United States and the FBI’s commitment to preventing such attacks.
Source: Daily Caller
