NEW YORK:
A Pakistani national residing in Canada has been extradited to the United States to face federal terrorism charges after allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn. U.S. authorities say the attack was intended to coincide with the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel.
The FBI confirmed on Tuesday that Muhammad Shahzeb Khan has arrived in the U.S. and is now in custody. He is accused of planning the attack in support of the Islamic State (IS), with the intention of inflicting maximum casualties using automatic weapons.
FBI counterterrorism chief Kash Patel announced the extradition, stating:
“Khan is now on U.S. soil and will face justice here. Thanks to the outstanding collaboration between U.S. and Canadian authorities, we disrupted what could have been a devastating attack.”
Khan was arrested in Canada on September 4, 2024, after a joint investigation uncovered his alleged plot. The FBI emphasized that the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and the rising tide of antisemitic violence.
“This is yet another reminder of the persistent global threat of terrorism and the specific dangers faced by Jewish communities worldwide,” Patel said. “The FBI remains vigilant and committed to preventing such attacks before they happen.”
According to the criminal complaint, Khan allegedly planned to travel from Canada to New York to carry out the mass shooting. Prosecutors say he intended to use automatic firearms to kill as many people as possible at a Jewish institution in Brooklyn.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton underscored the severity of the charges:
“This was not a vague threat. Khan actively plotted to murder members of the Jewish community, motivated by extremist ideology and loyalty to ISIS. Fortunately, the plot was foiled before it could be carried out.”
Federal prosecutors revealed that Khan shared details of his plan with individuals he believed to be co-conspirators. Unbeknownst to him, those individuals were undercover law enforcement officers. This covert operation enabled authorities to track his movements and intentions, ultimately leading to his arrest.
Khan now faces charges including attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempting to commit acts of terrorism. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The Justice Department emphasized that the case illustrates the importance of international intelligence-sharing and proactive counterterrorism measures in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
