A 20-year-old Pakistani man living in Canada is currently in custody and facing extradition to the United States for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn. The suspect, identified as Mohammad Shahzad Khan, is said to have boasted that this planned attack would be the largest on U.S. soil since 9/11.
According to a criminal complaint, Khan engaged in communication through encrypted messaging apps, sharing ISIS propaganda materials in an attempt to recruit supporters for the terror group. He later began corresponding with undercover officers, urging them to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and magazines for the attack.
Investigators revealed that Khan targeted New York City due to its significant Jewish population, expressing intentions to cause harm to Jews. He discussed potential attack dates of October 7th, coinciding with the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas conflict, or October 11th, Yom Kippur.
The FBI disclosed that Khan planned to enter the U.S. using a human smuggler, and he was apprehended by Canadian authorities just 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border after traveling across Canada in three separate vehicles.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo commented on the incident, emphasizing the heightened risk of terrorism in both Canada and the United States. He highlighted the challenge of monitoring individuals with unknown intentions residing within the countries.
Khan is scheduled to appear in court in Canada on September 13th, as confirmed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for his alleged involvement in the planned attack on the Jewish center in Brooklyn.
