A Pakistani national residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, has been apprehended for allegedly plotting a major terrorist attack on a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested on September 4th in Ormstown, Quebec, while attempting to enter the United States. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced charges against him on September 6th, alleging that the 20-year-old was planning a mass shooting with the intent to “slaughter as many Jewish people as possible.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Khan intended to carry out the attack in New York City around October 7th, coinciding with the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, and that he aimed to commit the act in the name of the Islamic State (ISIS). The DoJ further revealed that Khan had been actively promoting ISIS online, distributing propaganda videos and literature.
According to the criminal complaint, Khan communicated with undercover law enforcement officers, discussing plans to form a group of ISIS supporters and instructed them to obtain firearms and ammunition for the attack. He allegedly planned to travel to New York and carry out the mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn.
Khan expressed a specific desire to target Jews in New York, citing its large Jewish population. He described the city as “perfect to target Jews” and wrote, “We are going to NYC to slaughter them.” Khan even sent photos and videos of the intended target building to undercover agents and encouraged them to obtain rifles, ammunition, and knives.
Khan’s alleged plot has raised significant concern given the potential scale and timing of the attack. He reportedly claimed that his plan, if successful, would be the “largest attack on US soil since 9/11.” FBI Director Christopher Wray praised the investigative work that led to Khan’s arrest, calling it a significant disruption of his intended violence.
Khan’s arrest comes amid growing concern about anti-Semitic and Islamophobic attacks in North America, particularly in the context of the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. Authorities are working to understand the motivations behind Khan’s alleged actions and to prevent further acts of violence.
