FBI foils alleged ISIS-inspired attack targeting Mall of America

Federal authorities say they foiled an alleged ISIS-inspired attack targeting the Mall of America after arresting an 18-year-old man accused of planning to kill dozens of people.

(NBC)- Federal authorities say they foiled an alleged ISIS-inspired attack targeting the Mall of America after arresting an 18-year-old man accused of planning to kill dozens of people.

The FBI identified the suspect as Sheikdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an American-born teenager who investigators say pledged allegiance to ISIS and planned to carry out a mass-casualty attack in Minnesota.

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges described his reaction to the alleged plot as horrifying.

“Normally, I’m not at a loss for words, but horrified,” Hodges said.

According to the FBI, investigators had been monitoring Mohamud for nearly two years. During that time, authorities say he communicated through social media with a confidential informant about his plans.

Investigators say Mohamud described himself as mentally and physically prepared to carry out the attack and identified the Mall of America as his intended target.

The FBI says the attack was planned for October 24, with Mohamud allegedly expressing a desire to kill between 30 and 60 people.

According to investigators, Mohamud made antisemitic statements while explaining why he selected the shopping center.

Authorities arrested Mohamud after he allegedly purchased an AK-47, four 30-round magazines and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover federal agent.

Investigators say Mohamud, whose parents immigrated from Somalia, had also expressed anger over the treatment of Muslims.

“The messages this defendant allegedly sent to others were chilling,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dotson said. “They document the idolization of ideologically motivated violence, a callous disregard for the sanctity of human life.”

The investigation remains ongoing.