Former International Student Pleads Guilty in Plot to Attack New York Jewish Center
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 21-year-old Pakistani citizen and former international student in Canada, has pleaded guilty in a U.S. Federal court to a terrorism charge. Khan admitted to plotting a mass shooting targeting a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York, an attack intended to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.
The Plot and Motivation
Appearing before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe in Manhattan, Khan acknowledged his involvement in a violent plot to use automatic weapons to kill Jewish people. He stated that he was motivated by a desire to retaliate for the killing of Palestinians in Gaza and had answered a call from the Islamic State group for Muslims to target Jewish people.
According to prosecutors, Khan’s plan included renting a space adjacent to the Jewish center to facilitate the attack. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg noted that Khan, who also used the name “Shahzeb Jadoon,” had boasted that he intended to carry out the largest attack on U.S. Soil since September 11.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Khan originally entered Canada on a study permit. His path to the U.S. Court followed a series of legal steps:
- Arrest: Khan was arrested on September 4, 2024, in or near Ormstown, Canada, located approximately 12 miles from the U.S. Border.
- Extradition: After his arrest, he was extradited to the United States in 2025.
- The Plea: On Wednesday, April 9, 2026, Khan pleaded guilty to one count of attempted acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.
During the proceedings, Khan described his plan to support the Islamic State as a “morally reprehensible idea.” He now faces a potential sentence of life in prison.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant: Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 21, a Pakistani national and former student in Canada.
- Target: A Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York.
- Affiliation: The plot was linked to the Islamic State group.
- Charge: Attempted acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.
- Timeline: The attack was planned for October 2024 to mark the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Muhammad Shahzeb Khan arrested?
Khan was arrested on September 4, 2024, in or near Ormstown, Canada, which is situated about 12 miles from the U.S. Border.
What specific charge did Khan plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty to a single charge of trying to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries in a Manhattan federal court.
What was the intended goal of the attack?
The goal was to carry out a mass shooting at a Brooklyn Jewish center with the explicit intent of killing as many Jewish people as possible.
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