Federal authorities have arrested an 18-year-old man accused of planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America in Minnesota, according to newly unsealed court records.

Sheikhdoon Mohamud was taken into custody Tuesday after allegedly purchasing an AK-47 rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition from a confidential source for the FBI. Prosecutors state that Mohamud intended to use these weapons to attack a festival taking place at the popular shopping destination.

Mohamud had been under investigation by the FBI since December 2024. During that time, an FBI confidential source began exchanging messages with him. These communications reportedly involved discussions about either traveling to Somalia to join al-Shabaab or carrying out a mass casualty attack on U.S. soil. Court documents detail numerous exchanges where Mohamud allegedly expressed hopes of martyrdom and a desire to "just start killing a bunch of white ppl."

By December 2025, Mohamud reportedly expressed interest in supporting ISIS, and communications continued as his focus shifted from overseas travel to an attack within the United States. The court documents allege that Mohamud drew inspiration from the New Orleans New Year's Eve attacker and Omar Mateen, the perpetrator of the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

Prosecutors claim Mohamud told the confidential source that he wanted to attack the Mall of America because it is "owned by Jewish people," stating that "if I kill even 30 people no one would go there anymore." He allegedly settled on a meetup date of October 6 to purchase the weapons and planned to carry out the attack on October 24, targeting the Hmong Arts Celebration at the mall.

During the meeting with the undercover agent, Mohamud was provided with a duffel bag containing an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, and 200 rounds of ammunition. The agent reportedly identified themselves as an ISIS member and questioned Mohamud about his attack plans. Mohamud allegedly reiterated his intent to carry out a shooting at a festival at the Mall of America, citing his belief that it was owned by Jews and his anger over the "bad treatment of Muslims" following a recent attack on an Islamic Center in San Diego.

Upon exiting the vehicle after the transaction, Mohamud was apprehended at gunpoint by FBI agents. The arrest occurred following a period of investigation into his alleged extremist views and planned attack.

Authorities have not released further details regarding potential accomplices or the full scope of the alleged plot beyond Mohamud's direct involvement. The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic extremism and the potential for individuals to be radicalized online.