Pakistani National Arrested in Canada for Alleged Terrorist Plot in New York City

New York: A Pakistani national living in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, has been arrested and charged in Canada with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) for an alleged terrorist attack in New York, as per reports.

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, the 20-year-old Shahzeb Khan allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7, aiming to target Jewish people in the name of ISIS.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that Khan was determined to commit violence against Jewish individuals in the U.S., nearly a year after Hamas' attack on Israel. The FBI led the investigation, with Director Christopher Wray praising the efforts of the FBI team and its partners in thwarting Khan’s plan. Wray also stated further that combating terrorism remains a top priority for the FBI.

As per the complaint, Khan planned to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. He began showing support for ISIS in November 2023, sharing ISIS propaganda on social media and communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers through encrypted messaging apps. 

Khan gave directions to these officers to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other materials for the attack and provided details on his plans, including crossing the border from Canada.

Khan cited October 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, and October 11, Yom Kippur, as significant dates for his planned attacks. 

He faces charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. The sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The situation comes amidst ongoing conflict in Israel, which has been in a state of war following a major rocket barrage and Hamas infiltration on October 7 last year.