Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, has been charged with a federal offense for allegedly planning to attack a Jewish center in New York City around October 7 in support of the Islamic State group. Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was stopped near the U.S.-Canada border and has been accused of intending to form an Islamic State cell in North America to target Jews. He allegedly asked undercover officers for help obtaining semiautomatic rifles and hunting knives for the attack. Khan focused on New York City due to its large Jewish population and made plans to hire a smuggler to cross the border. The charge against him carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities claim that Khan zeroed in on October 7, the one-year anniversary of a Hamas terrorist attack, as well as October 11, Yom Kippur, the holiest Jewish holiday. The attack in question sparked Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. It appears Khan first drew law enforcement attention by distributing pro-Islamic State propaganda last year.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that the goal of Khan’s alleged plot was to slaughter as many Jewish people as possible. The FBI and Canadian authorities were credited for Khan’s arrest. Garland emphasized that Jewish communities should not have to fear being targeted by hate-fueled terrorism. The investigation into Khan’s plot is ongoing, and it’s unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
