Public Safety · Minneapolis, MN
Federal Judge Orders Minnesota Teen Accused of Mall of America Terror Plot to Remain Jailed
U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce Foster ruled Monday that 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, arrested Oct. 6 in Richfield, Minn., must remain in custody pending trial on federal terrorism charges. Prosecutors say Mohamud planned to attack the Mall of America on Oct. 24 during a Hmong community arts celebration, purchasing an AK-47 and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee for $600. His attorney argued he was only 16 when a confidential informant first contacted him and that his sole access to weapons came through the FBI. The judge cited risk to the community and flight risk in denying release.