Pakistani man planning 'mass shooting' at NYC Jewish center arrested
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen living in Canada, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Jewish center in New York City. The United States Department of Justice announced the arrest on Friday, stating that Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, has been charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS. A criminal complaint was filed against him in the Southern District of New York.
Suspect's online activities revealed support for ISIS
According to the complaint, Khan began expressing support for ISIS online in November 2023. He allegedly communicated with undercover law enforcement officers about his plans to carry out mass shootings at Jewish centers in the US. Federal officials claim that Khan even distributed ISIS propaganda videos and pictures. "Through our investigation, we discovered Khan used encrypted messaging apps in planning a mass shooting attack," said Rob Kissane, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force special agent in charge.
Planned attack aimed at Jewish Chabads in Brooklyn
Khan told the undercover officers that he intends to form an offline cell of ISIS supporters. The group was intended to carry out a coordinated assault using AR-style assault rifles at Jewish Chabads in Brooklyn. The complaint further alleges that Khan had planned a specific attack at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, which he hoped to execute on or around October 7, 2024, just days before Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur, and the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war.
Suspect's alleged motive and plan to enter US.
Khan reportedly told undercover officers that "New York is perfect to target Jews" due to its large Jewish population. He allegedly stated, "if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack [sic] on US soil since 9/11." The Justice Department revealed that Khan discussed plans to pay a human smuggler to help him illegally enter the US from Canada. On Wednesday, he allegedly used three separate cars in his attempt to cross into the US.
Arrest made near U.S.-Canada border, plot disrupted
Khan was apprehended by law enforcement approximately 19.31km from the U.S.-Canada border. He was taken into custody by Canadian authorities in Ormstown, Quebec. If convicted, Khan could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, according to the Justice Department. He is scheduled to appear in court in Canada on September 13, as stated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The US government is currently seeking his extradition from Canada to face charges.
