Suspect Muhammad Shahzeb Khan was taken into custody by Canadian authorities. (Representative)
Washington:
A Pakistani man living in Canada has been arrested on suspicion of plotting an attack on Jews in New York City, the U.S. Justice Department said Friday.
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested Wednesday on charges filed in the United States, the ministry said.
“The defendant allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7 of this year with the goal of slaughtering as many Jewish people as possible in the name of (the Islamic State),” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.
“Thanks to the FBI's investigative work and the swift action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the suspect was arrested,” he said.
According to the indictment, Khan planned to travel to New York and carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
He revealed his plans during conversations with conspirators who were in reality undercover agents.
Khan was arrested by Canadian authorities in the town of Ormstown, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the US-Canada border.
The Justice Department has indicated it will seek his extradition from Canada.
Khan is accused of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
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