Pakistani national arrested in Canada for plotting terror attack in New York City

A statement issued by the US Justice Department said that a Pakistani national living in Canada has been arrested for attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

According to the statement, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said that the arrested accused, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7 with the aim of “killing as many Jews as possible in the name of ISIS.”

“The accused was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people in the United States, nearly a year after Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the great work the FBI team and our partners did to thwart Khan’s plan,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

“The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations,” Wray said. “Fighting terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority.”

As alleged in the complaint, Khan attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he/she intended to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media about his/her support for ISIS and communicating with others on encrypted messaging applications in or around November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Thereafter, he/she began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers, the statement said.

Khan repeatedly instructed undercover law enforcement officers to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to conduct attacks, and identified locations where attacks were to be carried out. Khan also described how he/she would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct attacks. During these conversations, Khan emphasized that “October 7 and October 11 are the best days to target Jews” because October 7 is the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel. October 11 is Yom Kippur, a Jewish religious holiday.

The Pakistani national is accused of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he/she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering US sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

On October 7 last year, the Israel Defense Forces declared preparations for war following heavy rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip and infiltration of Hamas militants into Israel, and the war has continued since then.