Ashburn Teen Fatally Shot Outside Harris Teeter; 19-Year-Old Fadlalla Mohamed Arrested and Charged with First-Degree Murder as Community Reels from Shocking Weekend Violence
ASHBURN, Va — A tragic act of violence has shaken the Ashburn community after a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed outside a busy shopping center on Saturday evening. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Fadlalla Mohamed, 19, of Ashburn, in connection with the fatal shooting and charged him with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Deputies initially responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing in the 43000 block of Hillmont Terrace, but the situation quickly escalated when officers arrived on the scene and discovered a teen male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was located in the front passenger seat of a vehicle parked outside the Harris Teeter grocery store in Southern Walk Plaza, a well-frequented shopping area that became the backdrop for an unexpected and deeply disturbing event.
Emergency personnel attempted immediate life-saving measures, but the teen succumbed to his injuries shortly after being found. The victim’s identity has not yet been publicly released as authorities work to notify his family and provide support during this time of unimaginable loss.
While the motive behind the shooting has not been disclosed, the charges against Mohamed indicate a deliberate and potentially premeditated act. Investigators have not confirmed whether the suspect and the victim were acquainted, and details surrounding the moments leading up to the shooting remain under active investigation.
Fadlalla Mohamed is currently being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. Authorities say additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
News of the teen’s death has reverberated throughout Ashburn, a community known for its relative quiet and family-friendly environment. Residents expressed disbelief and concern, particularly given the incident’s proximity to a popular retail area frequented by families and young people.
“This is absolutely heartbreaking,” said a local shopper who visits the plaza regularly. “It’s something you never expect to happen so close to home. A young life was lost, and the entire community is grieving.”
In the wake of the shooting, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information — including those who may have been near Southern Walk Plaza around the time of the incident — to come forward. Surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence may be critical to piecing together the events of that night.
“This was a senseless act of violence,” said a spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. “We are committed to finding out exactly what happened and ensuring that justice is served.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at (703) 777-1021. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Loudoun County Crime Solvers program.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.