A 20-year-old Pakistani national residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, has been arrested for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack in New York City in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Khan planned the attack to coincide with significant dates, including October 7, the anniversary of Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel, and October 11, the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
Khan is charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The U.S. Department of Justice’s statement outlines that Khan intended to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York, with the goal of targeting Jewish people. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned Khan’s plan, stating that the defendant was determined to carry out the attack in the name of ISIS.
The FBI, which led the investigation, worked in coordination with undercover law enforcement officers to foil Khan’s plot. FBI Director Christopher Wray praised the efforts of his team, stating that the FBI remains committed to disrupting terrorist activity. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations,” Wray added.
The complaint reveals that Khan had been supporting ISIS on social media since November 2023. He distributed ISIS propaganda and communicated with others via encrypted messaging platforms. Khan also instructed undercover officers, whom he believed to be collaborators, to acquire AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials for the attack.
Khan detailed his plans to cross the U.S.-Canada border and conduct a mass shooting, emphasizing October 7 and 11 as optimal dates for targeting Jewish people due to their significance. The plot allegedly sought to mirror Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel in 2023, which marked the beginning of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Khan faces one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Sources By Agencies
