US: Terrorist Attack Inspired by ISIS Foiled at Mall of America in Minnesota

Washington, Oct 7 (KUNA) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on Wednesday the thwarting of a plot to carry out a terrorist attack inspired by the ideology of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) on a large shopping mall in the U.S. state of Minnesota. FBI Director Kash Patel posted on the social media platform X, “A terrorist influenced by ISIS ideology was planning to kill between 30 and 60 innocent Americans at the Mall of America.” He added that the suspect, 18-year-old Sheikhdon Abdullah Mahmoud, “acquired an assault rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition but also fell into the hands of the FBI.” According to a criminal complaint and affidavit submitted to the U.S. District Court in Minnesota, FBI agents had been monitoring the suspect “since December 2024.” The complaint stated that Mahmoud “pledged allegiance to ISIS and initially wanted to travel abroad to fight for the terrorist group before turning his attention to carrying out an attack in Minnesota.” Court documents indicate that he “planned to attack an event scheduled to take place at the mall on October 24.” It further reported that the FBI arrested him “after he purchased an AK-47-style assault rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition from a confidential informant.” (End) R.S.R / H.S.S