Pak man extradited to US for plotting terror attack at Brooklyn Jewish centre

A Pakistani national was extradited from Canada to the United States to face federal terrorism charges after allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Jewish centre in Brooklyn in support of ISIS.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, alias Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested near the US-Canada border last year and arrived in New York earlier this week. According to the Department of Justice, Khan aimed to carry out a deadly assault using AR-style rifles and knives, telling undercover operatives he wanted to “kill as many Jewish civilians as possible.”

“This would be the largest attack on US soil since 9/11,” Khan allegedly boasted.

Federal prosecutors said Khan coordinated with a US-based associate and two undercover agents posing as extremists. He selected Jewish religious centers as targets, sharing photos of a Brooklyn synagogue and planning to strike on the anniversary of Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel.

US Attorney Jay Clayton condemned the plot, saying, “As alleged, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan attempted to enter the United States to carry out a deadly terrorist attack on a Jewish centre in New York City. He planned to use automatic weapons to kill as many members of our Jewish community as possible, all in support of ISIS.”

Khan was intercepted near Ormstown, Canada, just 12 miles from the US border, with the help of a human smuggler.

“This barbaric, antisemitic plan was thwarted by the diligent work of our law enforcement partners,” said Clayton, thanking the FBI, NYPD, and Canadian authorities.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasised that ISIS remains a serious threat, “Our Jewish citizens are especially targeted by evil groups like these.”

FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia added, “Khan has been brought to the United States to face justice for his barbaric plot to conduct a mass shooting in New York City.”

Khan is charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organisation and attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Khan is scheduled to appear before Chief Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court on June 11.