A 20-year-old Pakistani citizen was arrested in Canada for planning a mass shooting at a Jewish center in New York, as reported by the U.S. Justice Department.
A 20-year-old Pakistani citizen was apprehended in Canada this week for allegedly planning a mass shooting targeting Jewish individuals in New York City. Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a resident of Canada, was detained by Canadian authorities as he attempted to cross the border into the United States from Ormstown, located near the New York State border. The Justice Department revealed that Khan intended to carry out the attack at a Jewish center in Brooklyn to show support for the Islamic State.
Khan’s arrest was the result of monitoring his electronic communications, which began in November of the previous year. Law enforcement officials in the US and Canada observed his expressions of support for ISIS, as well as his dissemination of propaganda materials from designated terrorist organizations in both countries. Khan’s encrypted messages detailed his plans to recruit members for a terror cell, acquire weapons, and identify Jewish targets in New York.
The complaint filed against Khan in the Southern District of New York alleges that he was attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The investigation revealed that Khan had discussed carrying out a “coordinated assault” using AR-15-style weapons to target Jewish or Israel-related locations, including establishments associated with the Chabad Hasidic movement.
Khan believed that the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israelis would be an opportune time for the assault, as it coincided with a period when a large number of Jews would be gathered and four days before Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Initially, he had planned to target an unspecified city but later decided on New York due to its high concentration of Jewish residents.
The Justice Department has initiated extradition proceedings against Khan to bring him to the United States to face charges. It remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation in the US at this time. The complaint also mentions an unnamed associate, whose status is unknown – whether in custody or acting as an informant.
In conclusion, the apprehension of Muhammad Shahzeb Khan highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent acts of terrorism and protect communities from potential threats. The case underscores the importance of monitoring and investigating individuals who express support for terrorist organizations and exhibit intentions to carry out violent attacks.
Source: The NY Times
