Senator Amy Klobuchar Advocates for Anti-Terrorism Investments Following Arrest in Mall of America Plot

<p>Senator Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic nominee for Minnesota governor, commended law enforcement on Wednesday after the FBI arrested an 18-year-old man accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America.</p><p>Klobuchar stated, "I'm grateful for the heroic work of law enforcement that prevented a mass shooting and terrorist attack at the Mall of America. This shows why we continue to need major coordinated investments in anti-terrorism and local law enforcement to stop attacks like these. Our state must take terrorism and violent crime head on, working with our federal law enforcement and local police departments to keep Minnesotans safe."</p><p>Klobuchar, who has represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate since 2007, is running against Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the upcoming gubernatorial election in November.</p><p>The statement followed the announcement by federal authorities regarding the arrest of Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, who investigators allege pledged allegiance to ISIS and discussed plans for a mass shooting at the Mall of America.</p><p>According to federal court documents, Mohamud allegedly spent months planning the attack before purchasing an AK-47-style rifle, four magazines, and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from an undercover FBI employee on Tuesday. The rifle had been rendered inoperable, although the ammunition was live.</p><p>FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Mohamud "allegedly obtained a weapon he hoped to use in a mass casualty attack in support of ISIS, but this FBI arrested him and put a stop to his plans."</p><p>President Donald Trump also commended the FBI’s actions regarding the case while addressing reporters on Wednesday, saying, "I did hear about it. And they did a great job. The FBI did a great job."</p><p>Mohamud faces charges for knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition while having reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a felony and the federal crime of terrorism.</p>