hal's affidavit in support of the criminal complaint. But Mohamud, who expressed admiration for terror attacks that had happened in the U.S., eventually said he didn't have enough money to travel overseas and decided to carry out an attack in Minnesota, according to the affidavit.

Rupenthal said during the hearing that on multiple occasions, the confidential informant told Mohamud that the attack was a serious thing, and that he could back out.  He said that he was 100% committed to doing it and that he wasn't being pressured,  Rupenthal testified.

The FBI has foiled several alleged attacks through sting operations in which agents posed as terror supporters, supplying advice or equipment. Critics say the strategy can amount to entrapment.

In May 2025, FBI agents were concerned enough that they went to Mohamud's home. His mother told them he wasn't home from school yet and called the boy's father, who declined to speak with them and said he would give their contact information to his lawyer, the complaint said.

Tens of thousands of people of Somali descent live in Minnesota, dating back to when refugees began arriving in the 1990s. Over the years several have been charged with attempting to join militant groups.