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FBI says it stopped a Mall of America terror attack by a teen after agents sold him an assault rifle
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an American-born U.S. citizen of Somali descent, was arrested for attempting to carry out a mass shooting at the Mall of America, aiming to kill 30 to 60 people during a Hmong arts celebration.
- Mohamud purchased a rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover FBI informant posing as an ISIS member, confirming his intent to attack non-Muslims in chat messages.
- The FBI had been monitoring Mohamud since December 2024 due to concerns about his radicalization and interest in joining ISIS, but he ultimately decided to attack locally due to financial constraints.
- Authorities warn parents to heed federal law enforcement warnings if their children show signs of radicalization, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.
- Minnesota has a significant Somali community, and several individuals from this population have previously been charged with attempting to join terrorist organizations.
