A Pakistani national who planned to carry out a terrorist attack in New York City and kill the Jewish population in the United States on or around October 7 has been arrested in Canada, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice. He was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). The person arrested was identified as Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, who allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York “with the intent to massacre in the name of ISIS as many Jews as possible,” Attorney General Merrick B Garland said, according to the statement.
“The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jews here in the United States, nearly a year after Hamas’s horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was conducted by the FBI, and I am proud of the excellent work the FBI team and our partners did to disrupt Khan’s plot,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.
“The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to commit acts of violence on behalf of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Counterterrorism remains the FBI’s top priority,” Wray added.
What Pakistani national plan?
Khan attempted to travel to New York City from Canada and carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York.
As part of the scheme, he began posting on social media and communicating with others via an encrypted messaging app about his support for ISIS in approximately November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. He subsequently began communicating with two undercover police officers, the statement said.
Khan repeatedly ordered undercover agents to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified locations where they would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to carry out the attacks, according to the statement.
During these conversations, the Pakistani citizen stressed that “October 7 and 11 are the best days to attack Jews,” because October 7 is the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel and October 11 is Yom Kippur, a Jewish religious holiday.
Charges against him and punishment
He is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
On October 7 last year, the Israel Defense Forces declared a state of readiness for war following a massive rocket barrage from the Gaza Strip and the infiltration of Hamas terrorists into Israel, and the war has continued ever since.
(With ANI inputs)
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