A 20-year-old Pakistani man residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, has been arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting against Jewish people in New York City. The planned attack was set to coincide with the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. The U.S. Justice Department announced the arrest on Friday (September 6).
Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Khan allegedly began expressing his support for ISIS and his desire to carry out terrorist attacks in support of the group as early as November 2023. He was in communication with undercover law enforcement agents, discussing details of the planned attack. Khan allegedly urged the agents to obtain weapons for the mass shooting and identified New York City as the target due to its large Jewish population.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated that Khan was arrested in Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. government plans to seek his extradition from Canada.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, "Khan’s alleged crimes are a vivid reminder that we must remain vigilant in the fight against antisemitism and terror."