Muhammad Shahzeb Khan appears in this photo shared by Quebec Superior Court. (Quebec Superior Court)
A young man from Pakistan, living in Canada, now faces serious terrorism charges in the U.S. Authorities say he planned a mass shooting at a Jewish centre in New York. The U.S. Justice Department confirmed he was extradited from Canada and is now in custody in New York.
Arrest in Quebec
Police in Canada arrested 20-year-old Muhammad Shahzeb Khan last September in Quebec. Officials say he was getting ready to carry out an attack against Jewish people in the U.S. He now faces two major charges in the U.S.: supporting a foreign terrorist group and planning terrorism across borders.
What Authorities Say
Khan is expected to appear in a New York court on Wednesday. The Justice Department says he was inspired by ISIS and was planning a deadly shooting. The plan was supposed to take place around the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, 2024.
Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated that Khan hoped to use automatic weapons to kill as many people as possible. “All in support of ISIS,” Clayton said.
Online Activity Raised Alarms
According to investigators, Khan began showing support for ISIS online in November 2023. He posted content that supported the group and started talking with people on secure messaging apps. Some of those people turned out to be undercover officers.
After gaining their trust, Khan told them he and a partner in the U.S. were planning an attack. He reportedly gave them instructions on buying AR-style guns, bullets, and other supplies. He also told them how he would enter the U.S.
Change of Target
Originally, Khan had another location in mind. But in August 2024, he decided to target a Jewish centre in Brooklyn. He said the attack would happen on or around October 7, 2024.
In one message, he told the undercover officers, “If we succeed with our plan, this would be the largest attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.”
Border Stop Near Quebec
On September 4, 2024, Khan attempted to cross into the U.S. Officials say he used three different cars while travelling through Canada to avoid detection. Canadian authorities stopped him near Ormstown, Quebec, just 20 kilometres from the U.S. border.
What Comes Next
Khan is now in the U.S., and his case will go through the courts. He has not been found guilty yet. If the court convicts him, he could face life in prison.
