The FBI arrested an 18-year-old Minnesota man accused of planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at the Mall of America. Federal prosecutors said the suspect intended to kill as many as 60 people.

Investigators said the teenager purchased an AK-47 rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition from an FBI confidential source shortly before his arrest.

The suspect, identified as Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 6. U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Daniel Rosen announced the charges the following day.

Mohamud, an American citizen of Somali descent, allegedly planned to carry out the attack on Oct. 24 at the shopping center in Bloomington, Minnesota.

According to prosecutors, Mohamud had been under investigation for nearly two years and had exchanged messages with an FBI confidential informant.

He was arrested at a public park after paying the informant $600 for the rifle and ammunition.

Mohamud faces federal charges related to acquiring a firearm with the intent to commit terrorism and providing material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Christopher Dotson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office, said Mohamud had described himself as “100 percent committed” to what he called his “planned jihad journey.”

According to the Daily Caller, investigators said Mohamud repeatedly expressed support for foreign terrorist organizations during the investigation.

Dotson said the suspect had pledged allegiance to ISIS more than a year earlier and expressed a desire to kill non-Muslims.

Federal authorities also said Mohamud wanted to die as a martyr during the attack.

Court documents described messages in which Mohamud allegedly said he wanted to target the Mall of America because he believed it was owned by Jewish people.

He reportedly believed killing at least 30 shoppers would discourage others from visiting the mall.

According to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, investigators also discovered that Mohamud allegedly intended to target the Hmong Arts Celebration, a family-friendly cultural festival scheduled for Oct. 24 at the mall.

When a confidential informant asked why he had selected that date, Mohamud reportedly referred to the festival’s Asian attendees as nonbelievers.

He also sent the informant a link to the celebration, according to federal prosecutors.

Rosen said Mohamud’s alleged plans could have resulted in between 30 and 60 deaths.

“Today’s charges demonstrate that the threat of terrorism in support of ISIS and other foreign terrorist organizations is active and continuing,” Rosen said during Wednesday’s announcement.

Following the arrest, the Mall of America issued a statement saying visitor and employee safety remained its highest priority.

The shopping center said it maintains multiple layers of security and continues cooperating with local, state and federal authorities.

Organizers of the Hmong Arts Celebration also responded to the allegations.

“It was heartbreaking and emotional to hear the news of the alleged planned attack at Mall Of America,” organizer Lue Thao said.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised investigators for preventing the alleged attack.

“This FBI is finding terrorists BEFORE they can attack Americans,” Patel said, adding that the bureau would continue using its resources to dismantle terrorist networks across the country.

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), the House majority whip, also thanked federal and local law enforcement for stopping the alleged plot.

It remains unclear whether Mohamud has retained an attorney to represent him.