The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced Wednesday that it had foiled an alleged terrorist plot targeting the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping complexes in the United States, and arrested an 18-year-old man suspected of involvement in the plan.
Suspect Arrested
The suspect, identified as Sheikhdeen Abdullah Mahmoud, was arrested Tuesday at a public park after allegedly completing a weapons purchase from an undercover FBI agent.
According to a federal criminal complaint, Mahmoud paid the undercover agent $600 for an AK-47-style assault rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition. The agent had posed as a member of ISIS during the operation.
Two-Year Undercover Investigation
Authorities said the arrest followed an undercover investigation that lasted nearly two years, during which the suspect allegedly exchanged numerous messages with an undercover informant.
Court documents reportedly contain statements attributed to Mahmoud indicating that he intended to carry out a deadly attack targeting people he described in his messages as non-Muslims.
Authorities Say Attack Was Prevented
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen outlined details of the federal complaint, saying authorities had closely monitored the suspect’s activities before the weapons transaction was carried out.
Officials said the operation allowed law enforcement to intervene before the alleged plot could be carried out, helping prevent a potential attack and protect shoppers and visitors at the Mall of America.
The suspect now faces federal proceedings as investigators continue examining the alleged plan and the circumstances surrounding the case.
