Amy Klobuchar calls for major anti-terrorism investments after alleged Mall of America plot
FBI Arrests 18‑Year‑Old Suspect in Planned Mall of America Attack; State and National Leaders Praise Operation
WASHINGTON – In a high‑stakes counterterrorism operation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced on Wednesday that it had taken into custody Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an 18‑year‑old from Minnesota, after authorities discovered evidence he had planned a mass‑shooting at the Mall of America. The arrest has drawn commendations from political leaders across the state and the nation.
Mohamud, who prosecutors say pledged allegiance to the terrorist group ISIS, reportedly spent months discussing plans to carry out a deadly attack in the city’s largest shopping center. According to court documents, he purchased an AK‑47‑style rifle, four magazines and roughly 200 rounds of live ammunition through an undercover FBI agent on Tuesday. While the rifle had been rendered inoperable, the ammunition was live.
“We believe Mr. Mohamud obtained a weapon he hoped to use in a mass casualty attack in support of ISIS,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “But this FBI arrested him and put a stop to his plans.” The suspect is now charged with knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition with intent to use them in a felony and a federal terrorism offense.
The arrest was announced Wednesday morning, and the news quickly prompted reactions from state officials. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic nominee for Minnesota governor, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the “heroic work of law enforcement” that prevented a “mass shooting and terrorist attack” at the Mall of America. “This shows why we continue to need major coordinated investments in anti‑terrorism and local law enforcement to stop attacks like these,” Klobuchar said. “Our state must take terrorism and violent crime head on, working with our federal law enforcement and local police departments to keep Minnesotans safe.”
Klobuchar, who has served as Minnesota’s U.S. senator since 2007 and is running against Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the upcoming gubernatorial race, emphasized the need for continued partnership between state and federal agencies.
President Donald Trump also weighed in, praising the FBI’s handling of the case. “I did hear about it. And they did a great job. The FBI did a great job,” the former president told reporters.
The Mall of America, located in Bloomington near Minneapolis, is the nation’s largest indoor shopping mall and a major tourist attraction. The FBI’s operation is part of a broader effort to disrupt extremist plots in the United States. By intercepting the suspect before he could act on his plans, law enforcement prevented a potential tragedy that could have claimed many lives.
While the case is still pending in federal court, the arrest and subsequent statements from state and national leaders underscore the importance of vigilant intelligence gathering and rapid response. The incident also highlights the ongoing challenge of domestic terrorism and the need for sustained investment in both local police forces and federal investigative agencies.
As the investigation continues, officials say they will keep the public informed about any further developments. The focus remains on preventing future threats and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors to the Mall of America and communities across Minnesota.