A federal jury in the District of Minnesota convicted Amiir Mawlid Ali, 19, of Minneapolis on Mar. 20 for possessing a machine gun created by attaching an illegal conversion device to a semi-automatic firearm.
The conviction follows a routine traffic stop during which officers discovered Ali in possession of the modified weapon as he was headed to a high school graduation. According to court documents and trial evidence, Ali attempted to flee but was apprehended by law enforcement. The firearm found with him had been equipped with both a machine gun conversion device and an extended magazine loaded with over 30 rounds. A firearms expert testified that the weapon could fire 15 bullets in just 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. The FBI is proud of our work on this case, and we thank our Local, State and Federal law enforcement partners for their assistance. 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 will be determined later by the court based on federal guidelines.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota enhances community safety through public safety initiatives and outreach according to its official website. The office prosecutes federal crimes, handles civil litigation for the government, employs about 140 people including more than 70 attorneys, and operates under the U.S. Department of Justice according to its official website. It uses facilities at federal courthouses in Minneapolis and St. Paul while serving all Minnesotans through its headquarters and branch offices according to its official website. Established in 1849, it continues working closely with law enforcement agencies across Minnesota according to its official website.
The broader implications from this case highlight ongoing efforts by federal authorities—including partnerships between local police departments such as Minneapolis Police Department—to prevent unlawful use or modification of firearms within communities.
