Pakistani man extradited to US over ISIS-inspired plot targeting Jewish center in New York

A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to an ISIS-inspired plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in New York City. Khan, who was taken into custody on June 10, appeared in court on June 11. He is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS) and attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.

Deadly plot thwarted

Khan allegedly planned to use automatic weapons to attack a Jewish center in Brooklyn, targeting the Jewish community around significant dates, including October 7, the anniversary of Hamas’ 2023 attacks on Israel. According to court filings, Khan coordinated extensively with two undercover law enforcement officers, urging them to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other weapons for the attack. He also scouted potential locations and even shared photographs of the targeted site, emphasizing his intent to “slaughter” members of the Jewish community in support of ISIS.

The plot was disrupted before it could be carried out, thanks to the efforts of U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies. Khan was apprehended by Canadian authorities near the U.S.-Canada border on September 4, 2024, as he attempted to enter the United States.

Statements from officials

Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the extradition a critical step in combating terrorism and protecting vulnerable communities. “ISIS remains a clear and present danger to the American people, and our Jewish citizens are especially targeted by groups like these. We will prosecute this man to the fullest extent of the law,” Bondi said.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the collaborative effort that stopped the attack. “Khan allegedly planned a mass shooting inspired by ISIS to target the Jewish community in New York City. The diligent work of the FBI and our partners ensured that this plot was thwarted, and Khan will now face American justice.”

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the deadly nature of the plan. “Khan sought to carry out a horrific attack using automatic weapons to kill as many members of the Jewish community as possible, all in support of ISIS. Thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, his antisemitic and violent plan was stopped.”

Details of the investigation

Khan, who began expressing support for ISIS on social media in late 2023, distributed propaganda and communicated with others through encrypted messaging platforms. He sought to establish an “offline cell” of ISIS supporters to carry out coordinated attacks in the U.S. Initially targeting another unnamed U.S. city, Khan shifted his focus to New York City, citing its large Jewish population. He referred to New York as the “perfect” location to maximize casualties.

Khan meticulously planned the attack, identifying rental properties near the target location and arranging for a human smuggler to help him cross the border from Canada into the U.S. He boasted that the plot, if successful, would be “the largest attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.”

Canadian authorities arrested Khan in Ormstown, Canada, just 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border, as he attempted to enter the United States in September 2024.

Legal proceedings and charges

Khan faces two charges: attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case is being prosecuted by the Southern District of New York, with assistance from the Justice Department’s National Security Division and the FBI’s field offices in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

The Justice Department also acknowledged the critical role of Canadian law enforcement and its Office of International Affairs in securing Khan’s extradition.