Pakistani National Arrested in Quebec for Alleged Terror Plot in New York City

Canadian and American law enforcement have apprehended a suspect accused of plotting a terrorist attack against Jewish communities in New York City on behalf of the Islamic State (ISIS). Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested on Wednesday in Ormstown, Quebec, located roughly 12 miles (19 km) from the U.S. border.

Khan, a Pakistani national residing near Toronto, faces charges in the U.S. for attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Investigators allege that he was planning a rifle assault to coincide with the anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel or the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

The investigation, spearheaded by the FBI in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), uncovered Khan’s plans. “Thanks to the robust partnership between Canada and the U.S., we can assure the public that, although Khan’s intentions were serious, he was not an imminent threat before his arrest,” stated the RCMP in a press release on Friday.

Khan’s arrest follows his alleged efforts to organize the attack with two individuals who, unbeknownst to him, were undercover agents. The FBI’s statement detailed that Khan sought to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and hunting knives for the planned assault. He also reportedly paid a human trafficker to smuggle him across the U.S. border.

In messages exchanged with the undercover agents, Khan allegedly described New York as an ideal target due to its significant Jewish population. He even mentioned, “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11,” referencing the September 11, 2001, attacks by al-Qaeda.

FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the gravity of Khan’s intentions: “The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel.”

The U.S. Department of Justice is now seeking Khan’s extradition from Canada. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme condemned the plot, stating, “This planned antisemitic attack against Jewish people in the U.S. is deplorable, and there is no place for such ideological and hate-motivated crime in Canada.”

Khan is set to appear in a Montreal court on September 13. The case underscores the ongoing collaboration between Canadian and American authorities to counter terrorism and protect communities from extremist threats.