A Pakistani man, aged 20, who was arrested in Quebec last week for allegedly planning an attack on a Jewish center in Brooklyn, entered Canada on a student visa. The Immigration Minister confirmed that the individual arrived in Toronto in June after being granted the visa in May 2023. Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, further details about the case were not disclosed.
According to U.S. authorities, the accused, identified as Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, intended to carry out a mass shooting using guns and knives in support of the Islamic State group. The planned attack was allegedly scheduled to coincide with the one-year anniversary of a previous incident that triggered conflict in the Middle East.
The Conservative opposition in Canada has raised concerns about the entry of Khan into the country and has been pressing for answers from the government. In response, the Immigration Minister emphasized the seriousness with which security breaches are handled and acknowledged the potential for determined individuals to gain access to the country.
Authorities praised the efforts of Canada's police forces for apprehending the suspect, highlighting the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold. Earlier this year, a father and son duo were arrested in Toronto for allegedly plotting a terror attack. While the father holds Canadian citizenship, the son does not. The father is also facing charges related to an aggravated assault committed in 2015 in support of the Islamic State group outside of Canada.
