Feds lay out case against man charged in Mall of America attack plot in pre-trial hearing

An 18-year-old man accused of plotting a terror attack at Minnesota's Mall of America made an appearance Monday morning in federal court, two weeks after his arrest by federal agents. Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, who faces a firearm charge connected to terrorism, is accused of stating he wanted to kill 30 to 60 people in an attack at the mall later this month.Mohamud was arrested earlier this month in Richfield, where he resides with his family, during an attempt to purchase an AK-47-style rifle which is legal to own as well as four magazines and 200 rounds of ammunition.Monday's hearing was a preliminary examination to determine whether there's enough evidence to believe a federal crime was committed, and if the 18-year-old committed it.Federal prosecutors laid out some of their evidence, noting the FBI was tipped off in late 2024 that Mohamud then age 16 was posting pro-terrorism content on TikTok.Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud DOJ/Getty Images