On Tuesday, authorities extradited a Pakistani man from Canada to the United States, following accusations of plotting anti-Semitic violence in New York City, according to the Justice Department.
Muhammad Shazeb Khan, 20, allegedly intended to travel from Canada to New York to execute a large-scale shooting inspired by ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn. A press release detailing the charges was expected to be released on the same day.
According to reports, in August 2024, Khan expressed his intention to attack after settling in a predominantly Jewish area of Brooklyn. He reportedly remarked that “New York has the best Jewish population in America,” suggesting it was an ideal target. Some of his comments suggested he believed it would be easy to find and attack many Jews there.
Authorities arrested Khan provisionally in Canada on September 4, 2024, before handing him over to U.S. officials on Monday. He is set to make his first court appearance on Wednesday, facing charges that include providing support to designated terrorist organizations and attempting cross-border terrorist acts.
“Thanks to the diligent work of the FBI and our partners, we’ve thwarted this plot. Khan has been brought to New York to face justice,” officials stated, expressing gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to this resolution.
Khan reportedly informed authorities of his intention to carry out the attack on October 7, 2024, coinciding with the anniversary of violence against Israeli civilians by Hamas militants.
If found guilty, Khan could face a significant prison sentence, potentially leading to life in prison.
A recent tweet highlighted the extradition, stating Khan, a Pakistani citizen and Canadian resident, faced charges related to supporting ISIS and attempting terrorist actions.
As indicated in a press release, Khan had begun utilizing social media to express support for ISIS and communicated with others under deceptive pretexts through an encrypted messaging app. This engagement included discussions about planning an attack in New York City with two undercover operatives, during which he sought to form a “real offline cell” of ISIS supporters to execute “adjusted attacks” with automatic weapons in various U.S. cities.
He allegedly laid out plans involving crossing the Canadian border, identifying rental properties near the intended target, and procuring assistance from human smugglers. During a conversation, Khan purportedly stated, “If we succeed, this will be the largest attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.”
Further conversations indicated Khan encouraged the undercover operatives to acquire AR-style rifles and ammunition, also sharing images of his selected attack location within the Jewish center.
Back in September, Khan reportedly used three different vehicles as he traveled across Canada. He was apprehended near Ormstown, about 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.
The FBI’s field offices in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are expected to continue investigating this case.
In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondy emphasized the ongoing threat posed by ISIS, particularly toward Jewish communities in the U.S. She affirmed the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting Khan to the fullest extent of the law.
