The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani national, with plotting a terrorist attack on Jewish communities in New York City.
The alleged attack was scheduled around October 7, the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, or on October 11, which is Yom Kippur, a significant Jewish holiday. Khan is accused of planning the attack in support of ISIS and attempting to provide material support to the terrorist organization. He was arrested in Canada on September 4, and the charges were made public on Friday.
Who is Muhammad Shahzeb Khan?
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, is a Pakistani national residing near Toronto, Canada. Khan reportedly began showing support for ISIS in November 2023 through encrypted messaging and social media. He communicated with undercover law enforcement officers, discussing plans to target Jewish institutions in New York City. Khan allegedly planned the attack to coincide with significant dates, aiming to inflict maximum harm.
Khan is accused of distributing ISIS propaganda, coordinating with undercover agents to acquire firearms and other attack materials, and attempting to cross into the U.S. with the intent to execute the attack. He was apprehended near the U.S.-Canada border and faces charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, Khan could face up to 20 years in prison.
Currently, there is no personal information available about the accused, including his family background and his home area in Pakistan.
