Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani national living in Canada, has been arrested for allegedly planning a terrorist attack in New York City, targeting Jewish individuals around October 7. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged him with attempting to provide material support to ISIS.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that Khan intended to carry out the attack on behalf of ISIS, with the goal of killing as many Jewish people as possible. The FBI conducted the investigation, and Director Christopher Wray commended the team for successfully thwarting Khan’s plot, highlighting the FBI’s dedication to counterterrorism and bringing those who aim to commit violence for terrorist organizations to justice.
Details of the Plot
The complaint outlines Khan’s efforts to travel from Canada to New York City to execute a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn. Beginning in November 2023, Khan posted ISIS propaganda on social media and engaged with undercover law enforcement officers. He allegedly shared plans for acquiring assault rifles and ammunition, and pinpointed potential attack sites. Khan named October 7 and October 11 as key dates for the attack, linked to the anniversary of the Hamas attack and Yom Kippur, respectively.
Khan is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will decide the final sentencing based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations.
(With ANI Inputs)