Pakistani National Faces Charges in US Over Alleged ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot in New York

Terror Plot Foiled in New York as Pakistani Man Extradited Over Plan to Attack Jewish Center

A Chilling Plot Uncovered

In a major breakthrough against terrorism, a Pakistani national who had been residing in Canada was extradited to the United States on June 10 to face serious charges related to a foiled ISIS-inspired mass shooting in New York City. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, is accused of planning a large-scale assault targeting a Jewish center in Brooklyn.

Khan is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and attempting to commit acts of terrorism that cross national boundaries. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on June 11 in New York.

Inside the Plot to Strike New York

According to court filings, Khan began expressing support for ISIS through encrypted online platforms as early as November 2023. He actively shared ISIS propaganda materials and engaged with individuals whom he believed to be fellow supporters. Unbeknownst to him, two of those individuals were actually undercover law enforcement officers.

During his communication with these officers, Khan allegedly revealed his intention to form a real-world terror cell. His goal was to execute a coordinated armed attack using AR-style rifles on Jewish community centers across a U.S. city he initially referred to as "City-1."

Khan reportedly provided step-by-step details about the plan, including the procurement of weapons, ammunition, and even knives, as well as the specific dates he believed would cause the most devastation. He particularly highlighted October 7 and October 11, citing the significance of those dates in the Jewish calendar and linking them to the anniversary of previous attacks in the Middle East.

Change of Plans and Target Shift

Initially focusing on an unnamed city, Khan later shifted his plan toward New York City. By late August 2024, he had zeroed in on a Jewish center in Brooklyn, which he described as an ideal target due to the city’s large Jewish population. He mapped out the interior of the center and even sent photographs, identifying the exact area where he planned to carry out the attack.

In his conversations, Khan expressed a desire to cause mass casualties, stating he hoped the event would surpass the magnitude of any terror attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.

Preparations for a Cross-Border Attack

Khan’s plan included illegally crossing the U.S.-Canada border with the help of a smuggler. He arranged for rental properties near his target location and insisted his contacts secure weapons and tactical gear in advance. His journey toward the United States involved traveling in multiple vehicles to evade detection.

However, his attempt to cross into the U.S. was stopped on September 4, 2024, by Canadian authorities near Ormstown, Quebec, just 12 miles from the border. He was taken into custody based on a U.S. arrest warrant and subsequently held pending extradition.

Facing Justice

Now in U.S. custody, Khan faces two federal charges—one for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist group and another for attempting acts of terrorism that span international borders. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The case is being handled by U.S. federal prosecutors specializing in national security, along with teams from multiple FBI field offices. Authorities have credited the successful disruption of this plot to close cooperation between American and Canadian law enforcement agencies.

A Continued Threat and a Powerful Response

This case underscores the ongoing threat posed by global terror networks and individuals inspired by extremist ideologies. Officials emphasized the importance of vigilance, coordination, and the relentless pursuit of justice to protect all communities in the United States.

The extradition and prosecution of Khan mark a significant step in the ongoing effort to safeguard American citizens from terrorist threats. As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to ensuring that such plans are stopped before they can be carried out.