US: Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a man who helped (ISIS) plan terrorist attacks in New York City, arrested in Canada
US: According to the US Department of Justice, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a Pakistani national, was detained in Canada on suspicion of helping the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) plot a terrorist assault in New York City on or around October 7.
A banner beside a fire on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Tel Aviv, Israel, during a protest calling for the government to secure the release of Gaza captives. Photographer: Bloomberg (Bloomberg/David Lombeida)
Near the anniversary of Hamas’ assault on Israel last year, the 20-year-old has been charged with organizing and supplying resources and assistance for the purpose of planning an attack against Jewish individuals in New York City, according to Media.
According to attorney general Merrick B. Garland, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan plotted the terrorist act “with the intent of slaughtering in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible,” according to a statement released by the US Department of Justice.
Christopher Wray, the FBI director, also added his voice and expressed admiration for the group that thwarted Khan’s scheme. “The FBI and its partners will keep working closely together to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to carry out violent acts in the name of ISIS or other terrorist groups. The FBI’s primary goal continues to be combating terrorism, he said.
In an apparent effort to demonstrate his sympathy for ISIS, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan reportedly tried to fly from Canada to New York City and carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn.
Based on his digital footprint, Khan started talking about his support for ISISI on social media and used an encrypted messaging service to communicate with others around November 2023.
Khan disseminated material and propaganda films from ISIS during this period. According to the US Department of Justice, he started speaking with two undercover law enforcement agents while he was doing this.
In addition to providing the undercover agents with information on where the assaults would occur, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan would also tell them how to get AR-style assault rifles, ammo, and other supplies needed to carry out the attacks.
He also provided them with information on how he planned to enter the United States from Canada in order to carry out the strikes.
The US Department of Justice claims that during these discussions, Khan clarified that “October 7th and October 11th are the best days for targeting the Jews” in reference to the anniversary of the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7. Since October 11 was Yom Kippur, a Jewish holy festival, it was also highlighted.
Khan is now accused of trying to provide resources and material support to an organization that has been recognized as a foreign terrorist organization. He might get a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail if found guilty.
The two organizations have been at war for over a year as a result of Hamas’ strike on Israel on October 7, the day Khan planned his attack. Several people were killed and several more were injured.
