A Pakistani national residing in Canada has been arrested following charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), according to a statement released by the US Department of Justice. The accused, 20-year-old Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York City on or around October 7, targeting Jewish individuals in the name of ISIS.Attorney General Merrick B Garland, in the official statement, remarked, The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas horrific attack on Israel. Garland praised the FBIs efforts in preventing the plot. FBI Director Christopher Wray added, “The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBIs top priority.Pakistani National Charged for Plotting Terrorist Attack in New York City in Support of ISIS https://t.co/4i2bfUno0R @NewYorkFBI pic.twitter.com/NiszZ60mja— FBI (@FBI) September 6, 2024The criminal complaint details that Khan aimed to travel from Canada to New York City to execute a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn. His activities date back to November 2023, when he began expressing support for ISIS on social media and via encrypted messaging apps. Khan allegedly distributed ISIS propaganda and initiated conversations with undercover law enforcement officers.The statement revealed that Khan directed the undercover agents to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other materials for the attack. He also provided guidance on how he would cross the Canada-U.S. border to carry out the attacks. Significantly, he identified October 7 and October 11 as ideal dates, the former being the anniversary of Hamas attack on Israel and the latter coinciding with the Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur.If convicted, Khan faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal judge will decide the final sentence based on US Sentencing Guidelines.
