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Canadian authorities arrest Pakistani national
20-Year-Old Pakistani Arrested in Canada for US Terror Plot
Canadian authorities have arrested a 20-year-old Pakistani national, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, for allegedly planning a terrorist attack against a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. The arrest, made near the US-Canada border, has been described as a significant counter-terrorism operation aimed at preventing what could have been the largest terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11. The planned attack was reportedly set for October 7, marking one year since the Hamas attacks on Israel, and targeted a location with a high Jewish population.
Details of the Arrest
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan was apprehended just 19 kilometers from the US-Canada border by Canadian law enforcement on Wednesday. The arrest was based on intelligence gathered by US and Canadian authorities, which indicated Khan’s intent to enter the United States illegally and carry out a terrorist attack. The federal complaint, filed in the Southern District of New York, revealed that Khan was an alleged supporter of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). His plans involved using automatic and semi-automatic weapons to attack a Jewish center in Brooklyn, which he identified as an ideal target due to its large Jewish population.
Khan’s Plot and Communications
According to court documents, Khan had been in contact with two undercover agents, to whom he confessed his intentions to execute a “coordinated assault” on the Jewish center in Brooklyn. He discussed acquiring AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other materials needed for the attack. Khan’s communications on social media and encrypted messaging apps since November 2023 highlighted his allegiance to ISIS, and he actively expressed support for the group’s ideologies.
During these conversations, Khan also sent photographs of the targeted Jewish center in Brooklyn, stating it would be “perfect” for targeting Jews. In one of his messages, he said, “New York is perfect to target Jews,” and suggested that they could easily “rack up a lot of Jews” without needing to wait for a specific event. The explicit details shared by Khan underscore the level of planning and commitment he had towards carrying out this act of terror.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan has been charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIS. If convicted, Khan faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The charges against him are severe, reflecting the gravity of his alleged actions and the potential harm they could have caused.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland thanked Canadian authorities for their swift action in apprehending Khan, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Garland stated, “The Justice Department will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to aggressively counter the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations and their supporters.” The investigation into Khan’s activities is ongoing, with the FBI’s New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles field offices involved in the case.
Counter-Terrorism Efforts and Implications
This case highlights the persistent threat posed by terrorist organizations like ISIS and the critical role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in preventing attacks. The arrest of Khan is a reminder of the need for vigilance and coordinated efforts between countries to counteract the influence and reach of terrorist groups. The FBI and other agencies continue to monitor potential threats and work to disrupt plots before they can be carried out.
The incident also serves as a stark warning of the dangers of online radicalization and the use of social media platforms by terrorist groups to recruit and communicate with supporters. Law enforcement agencies worldwide are intensifying efforts to track and intercept such communications to prevent individuals from carrying out attacks.
