Center for Investigative Reporting

The Mall of America, one of the nation’s largest shopping and entertainment venues, is also home to its own counterterrorism unit. Listen to the joint NPR/CIR investigation Under Suspicion At The Mall Of America and find more information on our website.

From our new homeland security investigation: Mall of America visitors unknowingly end up in counterterrorism reports

Brad Kleinerman lives on a quiet 2-acre lot in the Connecticut countryside with his family. An American flag hangs near the front door.

During a trip to the Twin Cities in January 2008, Kleinerman stopped at the Mall of America to return shoes and buy a SpongeBob SquarePants watch for one of his kids.

Two security officers reported that Kleinerman, a human resources director for the health services giant CIGNA, based in Bloomfield, Conn., “intently observed” them as they answered an unrelated call and then “observed both of us very closely” as the three traveled in opposite directions. The guards considered this “very odd.” Read documents from his report here.

After 9/11, the government began encouraging local police, private security and everyday Americans to report so-called “suspicious activity” that may indicate a security threat. Taking photos of landmarks, walking “nervously” and writing in a notebook are all activities that have led to people being stopped and questioned. Could you be next? Watch our Suspect America animation and then click through to read our investigation with NPR: Mall of America visitors unknowingly end up in counterterrorism reports.