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Guilty Plea
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan pleaded guilty to plotting an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at a Jewish community center in Brooklyn.
“A Pakistani citizen extradited from Canada pled guilty to attempting to commit ISIS-inspired acts of terrorism”
Khan admitted to attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.
The attack was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Khan declared that New York City was the perfect venue because of its large Jewish population.
He was arrested near the US-Canada border in Ormstown, Quebec.
Khan was extradited to the US in June 2025 and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Radicalization and Planning
Khan began expressing support for ISIS in November 2023 while residing in Canada.
He communicated with two individuals who were actually undercover law enforcement officers.
He urged them to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition and other weapons, including knives.
Khan discussed renting a space next to the Jewish center.
He described New York as the perfect location because of its large Jewish population.
He boasted the attack could become the biggest strike in the US since 9/11.
Cross-Border Cooperation
The operation involved coordination between the FBI, Canadian authorities, and the New York Police Department.
“He was arrested near Ormstown in Canada, about 12 miles from the US border”
Khan was arrested in Ormstown, Quebec, about 12 miles from the US border.
Assistant Director James Barnacle Jr. said Khan planned to inflict significant casualties and fear.
US Attorney Jay Clayton said the plan was disrupted before Khan could enter the country.
Khan was extradited to the US in June 2025.
The case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism.
Motives and Regrets
Khan told authorities he was motivated by anger over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
He later expressed regret for the plot.
He said he was not raised that way.
Officials describe Khan as a self-radicalised individual.
He did not belong to a formal terror cell.
The case has drawn global attention because of its scale and intent.