A federal jury in the District of Minnesota convicted Amiir Mawlid Ali, 19, of Minneapolis on Mar. 20 for possessing a machine gun that had been illegally modified with a conversion device. The conviction followed an incident where officers discovered the weapon during a routine traffic stop as Ali was on his way to a high school graduation.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors to address the risks posed by illegal firearms. According to court documents, Ali attempted to flee from police but was apprehended. The firearm in question had an extended magazine loaded with over 30 rounds and could fire at extremely high rates, with an expert testifying it discharged 15 bullets in two seconds.
“This defendant possessed an extremely dangerous weapon – a machine gun created by the application of a device known as a switch that converts a legal firearm to an illegal one,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Illegal weapons like this are unduly dangerous and offer nothing legitimate in a law-abiding society. The Criminal Division will continue to prosecute illegal firearms offenses like this one to keep communities safe.”
Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office said, “The verdict announced today makes clear that possession of a firearm modified to function as a machine gun will not be tolerated... Together we will work to stop those who put innocent lives in our community at risk.”
Ali was found guilty on one count of possession of a machine gun and faces up to ten years in prison; sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The FBI and Minneapolis Police Department investigated the case, while prosecution is being handled by Trial Attorney Alexandra Swain and Assistant U.S. Attorney Albania Concepción.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota prosecutes federal crimes, handles civil litigation for the government and protects community safety according to its official website. It operates under the U.S. Department of Justice and employs about 140 people including more than 70 attorneys according to its official website. Facilities are located within federal courthouses in both Minneapolis and St. Paul according to its official website, serving all parts of Minnesota through headquarters and branch offices according to its official website. Established in 1849, it continues working closely with law enforcement partners across the state according to its official website.
