Major Islamic State Attack In America Averted, Kash Patel Reveals Mohammed Had Made All The Preparations

New Delhi: A major Islamic State attack in the US has been averted, with vigilant security agencies foiling a plot to carry out a terrorist attack. On Wednesday, US authorities charged an 18-year-old youth with planning a mass shooting at a Minnesota shopping mall in support of the Islamic State group. The FBI arrested 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohammed after he purchased an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from an undercover agent during a sting operation. This FBI operation foiled Abdullahi Mohammed's alleged terrorist plot.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the young man had allegedly acquired a weapon that he intended to use in a mass-casualty attack in support of ISIS. But the FBI arrested him and thwarted his plans.

What was Mohammed's planning?

Mohammed, a resident of Richfield, Minnesota, allegedly wanted to kill 30 to 60 people at the nearby Mall of America. He targeted the site because he claimed it was Jewish-owned. He is accused of communicating his intentions in hundreds of messages with an FBI source since 2024, including a selfie-style video in which Mohammed pledged his allegiance to ISIS.

It is alleged that Mohammed wanted to carry out attacks similar to other IS-inspired attacks, such as the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Florida and the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting in Australia. He reportedly chose October 24th for his shooting. He said he would target Asians and other non-Muslims during a "Hmong Arts Celebration" being held at the mall.

Mohammed is charged with knowingly acquiring firearms

US Attorney for Minnesota Daniel Rosen said that according to the allegations in the criminal complaint, Mohammed took significant steps toward plotting to murder innocent people in the name of ISIS. Mohammed is charged with knowingly acquiring firearms and ammunition for the purpose of committing the federal crime of terrorism. He appeared before a federal judge on Wednesday.