A Pakistani man has been arrested after allegedly plotting to attack Jewish centers in New York City on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terror attacks.
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, a suspected Islamic State supporter, was arrested in Canada on Wednesday after the Justice Department said he was plotting to “kill as many Jews as possible.”
According to an indictment against Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, he had planned to travel across the northern border before carrying out a devastating shooting spree using automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
Khan’s alleged plan was foiled after he was discovered by two undercover police officers, who chatted with the 20-year-old online as he tried to recruit them for an “offline royal cell” for ISIS, the indictment claimed.
A Pakistani man has been arrested after allegedly plotting to attack Jewish centers in New York City to “kill as many Jews as possible.” Pictured: A crowd of Hasidic people gather outside a major synagogue in Brooklyn
The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, allegedly planned to carry out a shooting spree in Brooklyn on the anniversary of the Hamas terror attacks on October 7 (pictured)
The indictment did not specify Khan’s alleged goal, but said he discussed with undercover officers a “plot to carry out mass shootings at or around Jewish religious centers” in Brooklyn.
He allegedly chose the New York City borough because it would be “perfect for attacking Jews” because it has “the largest Jewish population in the United States.”
“Khan told the (undercover police officers) that he intended to kill as many Jewish civilians as possible,” the indictment said.
Police said Khan began sharing threats and ISIS propaganda videos in November, where he began talking to the two undercover police officers.
In his online conversations, he allegedly singled out several potential synagogues and community centers and proclaimed, “We’re going to New York and massacre them.”
Khan is also accused of ordering undercover police officers to obtain AR-style assault weapons and ammunition to join him in the attack, and allegedly said he and another US-based ISIS supporter were attempting to gather supplies for the plot.
He was arrested Wednesday in Canada, just 12 miles from the US border, and charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the undercover investigation and said Jewish communities “should not have to fear being the target of a hate-fueled terrorist attack.”
Khan also reportedly shared details of how he would hire a human smuggler to help him enter the United States undetected, and had already used three separate vehicles on his way to the border before being arrested.
In a statement after Khan’s arrest, Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the investigation in a statement.
“We are deeply grateful to our Canadian partners for their significant law enforcement actions in this matter,” Garland said.
‘Jewish communities, like all communities in this country, should not be afraid of being targeted by a terrorist attack fueled by hate.’
It is unclear at this time whether Khan will be extradited to the United States following his arrest in Canada.
