A Pakistani ISIS supporter’s plot to massacre Jews at a New York center on the October 7 anniversary was thwarted when U.S. and Canadian authorities arrested him just 12 miles from the American border.
Key Takeaways
- Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, has been extradited from Canada to face terrorism charges for planning a mass shooting at Jewish centers in New York
- Khan was captured on September 4 near the U.S.-Canada border while attempting to enter the country to execute his attack
- The ISIS supporter specifically targeted October 7 and October 11 for his planned attack due to Jewish gatherings on those dates
- Khan faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS
Terrorist Plot Foiled at Border
The Department of Justice has successfully extradited Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani national and ISIS supporter, from Canada to face serious terrorism charges in the United States. Khan, also known as “Shahzeb Jadoon,” was arrested on September 4 near Ormstown, Quebec, approximately 12 miles from the U.S. border, as he attempted to infiltrate American territory. According to federal authorities, Khan had been meticulously planning a mass shooting at Jewish centers in New York to coincide with the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Khan has been formally charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a designation that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The case represents yet another example of the ongoing threat posed by Islamic extremism to American citizens, particularly those in Jewish communities that continue to face targeted violence from radical Islamists both domestic and foreign.
Detailed Planning Revealed
Federal investigators discovered that Khan had been actively spreading ISIS propaganda and expressing support for the terrorist organization on social media platforms since 2023. His digital footprint revealed extensive planning for the attack, including communications with individuals he believed would assist him in acquiring automatic weapons. Unfortunately for Khan, these “collaborators” were actually undercover FBI agents gathering evidence against him as part of a sophisticated counterterrorism operation.
The investigation uncovered that Khan had specifically identified October 7 and October 11 as optimal dates for his planned massacre, as these dates would feature significant Jewish gatherings. His selection of these dates demonstrates the calculated nature of his intentions and the specific targeting of the Jewish community. The attack was clearly meant as both a show of support for ISIS and as an anniversary commemoration of the October 7 Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis.
Strong Response from Law Enforcement
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton praised the coordinated efforts of American and Canadian law enforcement agencies in preventing what could have been a devastating attack. The successful interception of Khan before he could cross into the United States highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating terrorism. The Manhattan federal prosecutor’s office is now handling the prosecution of the case, demonstrating the serious approach being taken to ensure justice is served.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the persistent threat that ISIS continues to pose to American citizens, particularly those in the Jewish community. This case serves as a stark reminder that despite military victories against ISIS territorial holdings in the Middle East, the ideology and terrorist network remains active and continues to inspire attacks against Western targets. The Trump administration has consistently prioritized the protection of religious communities from terrorist threats, with particular attention to the rising tide of antisemitic violence.
Continued Vigilance Required
The case of Muhammad Shahzeb Khan demonstrates the ongoing need for vigilance against Islamic extremism and terrorism within our borders. While the successful prevention of this planned attack represents a victory for law enforcement, it also reveals the persistent targeting of Jewish communities by terrorist organizations. The fact that Khan was specifically planning his attack to coincide with the anniversary of October 7 shows how terrorist groups continue to celebrate and seek to replicate acts of mass violence against Jews.
Khan’s capture is a sobering reminder that open borders and lax immigration policies directly endanger American citizens, particularly those from communities frequently targeted by Islamic extremists. His attempt to cross from Canada highlights vulnerabilities in our northern border that deserve the same attention that President Trump has given to securing our southern border. As Khan awaits trial in the Manhattan federal prosecutor’s office, Americans can be thankful that this particular threat has been neutralized before innocent lives were lost.
