Kevin Johnson

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – The 22-year-old man who stabbed 10 people at a Minnesota mall earlier this month was likely inspired by radical Islamic rhetoric, FBI Director James Comey told a House panel Wednesday.

Comey said it not immediately clear, however, what specific group's ideology may have driven Dahir Adan, who was fatally shot shortly after the attack by an off-duty local police officer.

The Islamic State has claimed credit for the assault, saying that Adan was acting as a "soldier'' for the group. Comey, however, said the claim has not been established, adding that the group often seeks attention by associating itself with such attacks.

Since early in the inquiry, the FBI has been investigating the stabbings as a "potential act of terrorism.''

Authorities said the suspect, who made at least one reference to "Allah,'' entered the Crossroads Center mall Sept. 17, and began attacking people as he moved toward a Macy's department store. The off-duty officer encountered Adan inside Macy's and fatally shot him after the suspect repeatedly attempted to lunge at the officer, police said.

Adan, who was wearing security guard-type clothing, was a former part-time employee of Securitas Security Services. He resigned in June, according to the company, which does not provide security to the mall.