Canadian Resident Charged in Foiled NYC Jewish Center Attack Plot

U.S. authorities have apprehended a Canadian resident for allegedly orchestrating a mass shooting plot targeting Jewish individuals in New York City. The planned attack was scheduled to coincide with the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks in southern Israel.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen, was arrested on September 4, 2024, on charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically the Islamic State (ISIS). The arrest came after a joint investigation by the FBI and Canadian law enforcement agencies.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Khan's alleged goal was to "slaughter, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible." The investigation into Khan began in late 2023 when he shared ISIS propaganda videos on social media and an encrypted messaging platform.

Undercover law enforcement agents engaged Khan in online conversations, during which he allegedly instructed them to acquire AR-style assault rifles and ammunition. Khan reportedly identified October 7 and October 11, 2024, as optimal dates for the attack, citing potential protests and the start of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.

"We are going to nyc to slaughter them."

The charging document reveals that Khan's plan was ambitious in scale, with the suspect allegedly claiming it could be the most significant terror attack on U.S. soil since September 11, 2001. Khan purportedly chose New York City due to its large Jewish population, which is the largest outside of Israel with over 1.1 million Jewish residents.

On September 4, 2024, Khan attempted to enter the United States using three separate vehicles but was intercepted approximately 12 miles from the border and taken into custody.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about online radicalization and the use of encrypted messaging apps by extremist groups. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force frequently collaborates with international partners to address such threats, leveraging the long-standing extradition treaty between Canada and the United States.

The foiled plot also underscores the continued threat posed by ISIS, despite its territorial losses. Since its formation, the group has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks worldwide and continues to inspire lone-wolf actors through online propaganda.

As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant against potential threats, particularly in areas with significant Jewish populations like Brooklyn, which is home to one of the most diverse Jewish communities in the United States.