Photo: Ellen Schmidt ~ AP
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. ~ Families visiting the Mall of America were unknowingly at the center of an alleged terror plot that federal investigators say could have turned deadly. Authorities arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man after he allegedly purchased a rifle, ammunition and magazines from an undercover FBI employee while planning an attack at the shopping and entertainment destination.
Federal officials say the suspect had discussed targeting a crowded event at the mall and pledged allegiance to ISIS before his arrest. Law enforcement leaders credited the investigation with stopping the alleged attack before anyone was harmed, while community leaders expressed gratitude that the threat was disrupted before it could be carried out.
