Judge Keeps Mall of America Plot Suspect Detained

An 18-year-old Minnesota man, Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, was ordered held in federal custody while facing charges that he planned an ISIS-inspired attack at the Mall of America. Prosecutors say he bought an AK-47, ammunition and magazines from an undercover FBI agent after discussing plans to attack the mall during a Hmong arts celebration, while an FBI agent testified that he had considered killing dozens of people and pledged allegiance to ISIS. The defense argued that Mohamud was 16 when an FBI-paid informant began communicating with him and emphasized that the weapon was supplied by the FBI. The judge found probable cause and said Mohamud posed a danger to the community and a flight risk.