Man Arrested Entering U.S. Charged in Plot to Kill NY Jews on Hamas Attack Anniversary

In a significant development, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani national residing in Canada, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Jewish community center in Brooklyn, New York, in support of ISIS. His arrest occurred on September 4, just about 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border, as outlined in a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York.

Khan is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). If found guilty, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed gratitude to Canadian law enforcement for their crucial role in detaining Khan. He stated, “Jewish communities — like all communities in this country — should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack.”

According to the court documents, Khan began openly displaying his support for ISIS on social media and communicating with others via an encrypted messaging platform around November 2022. His communications involved sharing ISIS propaganda videos and materials. After establishing contact with two undercover law enforcement agents, Khan indicated that specific dates, namely October 7 and October 11, were ideal for targeting Jewish individuals. He noted that protests on October 7 and the observance of Yom Kippur on October 11 presented the best opportunities for an attack.

Initially, Khan had considered a different city for his actions but ultimately focused on New York. His arrest coincided with the U.S. Department of Justice’s announcement of charges against six senior Hamas leaders related to the October 7, 2022, attacks on Israel.

The situation surrounding Khan’s case is still evolving, as it has not been entered into the federal court system database. No attorney has been identified to represent him. In a news release, it was noted that the United States has initiated extradition proceedings.

The details of Khan’s plans were concerning, as he shared them with the undercover officers. He discussed the logistics of his attack, including potential rentals for housing and acquiring the services of a smuggler to facilitate his entry into the United States. Khan mentioned his intentions to collaborate with an unnamed U.S.-based ISIS affiliate, although that individual eventually withdrew from the arrangement.

Khan also urged the undercover officers to procure AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other tools, including “some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats.” His recurring statements highlighted his determination to execute the attack in support of ISIS, asserting that successful execution of their plans would result in the largest attack on U.S. soil since the September 11 attacks.

Authorities continue to investigate this alarming plot and the network of individuals potentially connected to it. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by domestic and international terrorism.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies across borders in combating terrorism and protecting communities.