Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani national residing in Canada, has been charged with plotting a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan, who was allegedly inspired by ISIS, is accused of planning to carry out the attack in October during Jewish holidays, including Yom Kippur or the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.
According to federal prosecutors, Khan began expressing his support for ISIS through social media and encrypted messaging apps in November of the previous year. He allegedly communicated with undercover agents, believing them to be fellow ISIS sympathizers, and discussed his plans to target Jewish communities, stating his intent to “slaughter” as many Jewish people as possible in the name of the terrorist organization. The attack was intended to occur at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, which Khan identified as a prime location due to the large Jewish population in the city.
Khan’s discussions with the undercover agents included detailed plans for acquiring AR-style rifles, ammunition, and hunting knives for the attack. He reportedly encouraged the agents to gather weapons and supplies, even specifying the best days for the assault, citing October 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, and October 11, Yom Kippur, as key dates.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI worked closely with Canadian law enforcement, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), to prevent Khan from entering the United States and carrying out the planned attack. The investigation culminated in Khan’s arrest in Canada near the U.S. border, where he had paid a human trafficker to smuggle him across. Despite his detailed plans and commitment to ISIS, authorities confirmed that Khan had not yet acquired the weapons needed for the attack and was communicating solely with undercover agents.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting Jewish communities from terror-driven hate crimes, stating that all communities should feel safe from the threat of violence. FBI Director Christopher Wray praised the collaboration between U.S. and Canadian authorities, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in countering both domestic and international terrorism.
Khan has been charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Authorities have made clear that this case is a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist ideologies and the need for continued efforts to thwart terrorist activities before they can be carried out.
The Jewish community in New York and elsewhere is taking extra precautions, especially in light of the upcoming holidays, with law enforcement stepping up security measures. The NYPD had already begun preparing for increased security in Jewish neighborhoods, and additional resources are being mobilized to ensure the safety of residents during this sensitive time. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to reassure the public that they remain committed to preventing such plots from becoming reality.
Image is in the public domain and is licensed under the Pixabay Content License.
