Somali American to be sentenced in Portland terror case
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
A Somali American is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday for attempting to detonate a weapon of mass destruction four years ago in Portland, Oregon.
Mohamed Mohamud faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the plot that was actually an FBI sting. Agents posing as terrorists supplied the fake bomb that Mohamud tried to detonate at a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.
In court documents, government lawyers ask a federal judge to sentence Mohamud to 40 years in prison, saying he never wavered in his willingness to kill thousands.
Defense attorneys seek a 10-year sentence. They say the plot wouldn't have happened without government involvement and Mohamud has shown remorse.
The sentencing was delayed a year after the government disclosed that warrantless overseas wiretaps helped make its case. Mohamud's conviction was later upheld.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.
Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?
It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.
