Pakistani-Canadian Man Admits Guilt in ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot Targeting Brooklyn Jewish Center
A 21-year-old Pakistani national residing in Canada has pleaded guilty in the United States to orchestrating an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at a prominent Jewish center in Brooklyn, as confirmed by authorities on Wednesday. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, confessed to attempting to commit "acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries" and planning to enter the U.S. to execute the attack.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated in a tweet that Khan, extradited from Canada, admitted to planning the mass shooting with automatic weapons, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Plot Linked to October 7 Anniversary
U.S. officials revealed that Khan intended to time the attack around October 7, 2024, marking one year since the deadly Hamas assault on Israel. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg emphasized that Khan planned the attack "with the explicit goal of killing as many Jews as possible," viewing New York City as an ideal target due to its large Jewish population.
Investigators noted that Khan boasted the attack could become the "largest attack on U.S. soil since 9/11," highlighting the severity of his intentions.
Radicalization and Detailed Planning
Authorities detailed that Khan began expressing support for ISIS in November 2023 while living in Canada, sharing propaganda material online and communicating with individuals about extremist ideology. He later developed plans for coordinated attacks in the U.S., specifically targeting Jewish religious centers.
Unbeknownst to Khan, some of the individuals he communicated with were undercover law enforcement officers. He allegedly instructed them to procure assault rifles, ammunition, knives, and other weapons for the planned attack.
Attempt to Enter U.S. and Arrest in Canada
Officials reported that Khan sought to illegally cross into the United States with the assistance of a human smuggler. On September 4, 2024, he traveled from the Toronto area towards the U.S. border but was intercepted and arrested near Ormstown in Quebec, approximately 12 miles from the border.
The operation involved coordinated efforts between the FBI and Canadian authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, showcasing effective international counterterrorism collaboration.
Extradition, Guilty Plea, and Sentencing
Khan was extradited to the U.S. in June 2025 and has now pleaded guilty before a federal court in New York. He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for August 12, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton highlighted that the plot was disrupted before Khan could enter the country, while FBI officials underscored the critical role of joint counterterrorism efforts in preventing potential large-scale terror attacks targeting religious communities.
