Former International Student Admits to Terrorism Plot Targeting Jewish Community
A Pakistani national who entered Canada on a student visa has pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge after admitting to plotting a mass shooting targeting Jewish people in the United States. Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 21, entered his plea in Manhattan federal court, acknowledging his plan to use automatic weapons to kill as many Jewish individuals as possible at a Brooklyn center.
Timing Planned to Coincide with Hamas Attack Anniversary
Khan revealed in court that he specifically planned the attack to occur in October 2024, coinciding with the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks against Israel. According to Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Khan explicitly stated his goal was "killing as many Jews as possible" during this symbolic timing.
The defendant told Judge Paul G. Gardephe that he intended to cross the border from Canada to the United States in September 2024 with "the intention of killing Jewish people in Brooklyn." Khan explained his motivation stemmed from wanting to provide material support to the Islamic State group in retaliation for Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Detailed Planning and Undercover Investigation
Authorities detailed how Khan's plot included:
- Renting a space adjacent to the targeted Jewish center
- Using guns and knives to carry out the attack
- Communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers about his plans
- Boasting that he would execute the largest attack on U.S. soil since September 11
Investigators first became aware of Khan in November 2023 when he began posting online about his support for the Islamic State group. He subsequently began planning terrorist attacks in the United States, specifically targeting New York because it has "the largest Jewish population in America," according to court documents.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Khan was arrested on September 4, 2024, in or near Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S. border. He was later brought to the United States to face charges. The 21-year-old had been granted a student visa in Canada in May 2023 and arrived in Toronto the following month.
During his guilty plea, Khan expressed remorse for his actions, calling his plot a "terrible, extremely dangerous and morally reprehensible idea." He added, "I was not raised this way," acknowledging that what he planned was wrong.
Potential Life Sentence and Current Status
Judge Gardephe has scheduled sentencing for August 12, at which time Khan could face up to life in prison. The defendant has remained in jail since his arrest last year. His case highlights ongoing concerns about international students and national security, as well as the persistent threat of extremist violence targeting religious communities.
The guilty plea to a single charge of attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries concludes a case that involved coordination between Canadian and American law enforcement agencies. Authorities emphasized that Khan's plot was disrupted before any violence could occur, preventing what could have been a devastating attack on the Jewish community in Brooklyn.
