Rampaging knifeman Dressed as a security guard attacks eight shoppers In Minnesota

At least eight people were taken to a hospital with injuries after a stabbing attack at a Minnesota shopping mall that ended with the suspected attacker, who reportedly made references to Allah, shot dead by an off-duty police officer, authorities said.

The attack took place at Crossroads Center mall in St. Cloud. 

St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson said during a news conference shortly after midnight that eight people were taken to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following the attack first reported about 8.15pm Saturday. 

One person was admitted. No further details were released. 

During the news conference, Anderson said the attacker who was armed with a knife made references to Allah during the attack and asked at least one person whether they were Muslim.

Anderson said, according to KSTP: 'At approximately 8pm, an armed suspect entered the Crossroads Mall.

'That individual made some references to Allah and we confirmed that he asked at least one person if they were Muslim before assaulting them.'  

Anderson revealed the suspect was wearing a 'private security uniform'.

Anderson said it was a lone suspect, telling reporters: 'We've got eight victims that were assaulted here.' 

He declined to call the attacks an act of terrorism, saying the motive for the attacks isn't known yet. 'We will be diligent and get to the bottom of this,' Anderson said. 

Anderson also said police had at least three prior contacts with the suspect for 'minor traffic violations'.

Anderson said an off-duty police officer from another jurisdiction shot and killed the unidentified suspect. He did not say where that officer serves.  

The mall remained on lockdown following the incident, but authorities expected those remaining inside to be released early Sunday.  

Crossroads Center 'will remain closed through Sunday as investigators continue to process multiple crime scenes within the building', KSTP wrote.