Pakistani Man Extradited to US Over Plot to Attack Jewish Centre on October 7 Anniversary

In a major counterterrorism development, a 20-year-old Pakistani national, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, has been extradited from Canada to the United States for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Jewish community center in New York. The attack, inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS), was intended to take place on October 7—the anniversary of the Hamas-led assault on Israel in 2023 and close to the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. This case highlights the continued threat of international terrorism, radicalization of youth through online propaganda, and the vital role of cross-border cooperation in preventing extremist violence.

Who is Muhammad Shahzeb Khan?

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, is a Pakistani citizen who was living in Canada on a student visa. Authorities say he became radicalized through online extremist content and began communicating with ISIS sympathizers and undercover agents posing as operatives. His social media activity and encrypted conversations reflected a growing fascination with jihadist ideology and violent anti-Semitism.

Investigators began tracking him in mid-2023 after he allegedly started expressing his desire to carry out a large-scale terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Khan, described by officials as calculating and dangerous, allegedly planned to enter the U.S. illegally to execute a mass killing at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York.

The Plot

According to the charges filed by U.S. federal prosecutors, Khan plotted to carry out a violent terrorist attack designed to resemble the Hamas-led massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023. His goal, reportedly, was to “slaughter Jews” in large numbers to honor the one-year anniversary of the attack. He referred to the planned act as a symbolic strike against the United States and its Jewish citizens.

Khan’s communications allegedly showed he:

• Planned to attack with automatic rifles and knives.

• Targeted a specific Jewish centre in Brooklyn.

• Wanted to kill civilians indiscriminately.

• Referred to his plan as a way to support ISIS’s ideology.

• Used encrypted messaging apps to communicate with co-conspirators and undercover operatives.

• Attempted to recruit like-minded individuals to form an "offline cell" for terrorist activities.

One of the most chilling details in the case is Khan’s alleged statement that he aimed to make the attack “the biggest after 9/11.”

Attempted Border Crossing and Arrest

In September 2024, Canadian law enforcement, in coordination with U.S. authorities, arrested Khan near Ormstown, Quebec—just a few miles from the U.S. border. He was reportedly attempting to cross into the United States with the help of human smugglers. This action was foiled just days before the planned attack.

Evidence recovered during the arrest included:

• Maps of the target location in Brooklyn.

• Tactical plans and weapons research.

• Encrypted chats with ISIS contacts.

• Expressed willingness to die as a martyr.

The arrest was part of a broader undercover operation that had been monitoring his actions for months. U.S. federal agents, pretending to be ISIS affiliates, had been engaging with Khan to monitor his intentions and gather evidence of his plot.

Extradition and Legal Proceedings

On June 10, 2025, Khan was extradited to the U.S. from Canada and is now facing terrorism-related charges in the Southern District of New York. He is expected to be arraigned in federal court in Manhattan.

The charges include:

1. Attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization (ISIS).

2. Attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national borders.

If convicted, Khan faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Prosecutors have emphasized that Khan's plan was not just theoretical—he had taken concrete steps to carry it out, including border-crossing arrangements, weapons inquiries, and specific attack planning.

Statements from Authorities

U.S. and Canadian authorities praised the successful operation and stressed the importance of international cooperation in counterterrorism.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York said the arrest and extradition “thwarted a horrifying plot to commit mass murder in the name of a terrorist ideology.” He added that Khan’s plans were aimed at killing innocent civilians and spreading fear in the Jewish community.

An FBI official involved in the case stated that the suspect posed a serious threat to national security and had every intention of executing a high-casualty attack. The FBI credited cooperation between U.S. law enforcement and Canadian authorities in disrupting the operation just in time.

The Canadian authorities emphasized the need to remain vigilant about foreign students and visitors who may be radicalized online and present a threat to public safety.

Why October 7?

Khan’s choice of October 7 was not random. That date marks the anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that resulted in hundreds of casualties. The attack also falls around the time of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, which often sees large congregations at synagogues and Jewish community centers.

Security experts say extremists frequently use symbolic dates to carry out attacks that amplify psychological trauma and media attention.

By aligning his planned assault with the October 7 anniversary, Khan intended to send a clear political and ideological message in support of global jihadist movements.

Impact on the Jewish Community

The Jewish community in New York and across the United States has faced an uptick in threats, hate crimes, and online harassment in recent years. This case has once again brought attention to the vulnerability of religious minorities in the face of rising global extremism.

Security has been tightened at Jewish institutions following the exposure of this plot. Community leaders have urged federal and state authorities to allocate more resources to protect places of worship and cultural centers.

There is also a renewed push for educational programs that combat online radicalization and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Broader Implications

This case highlights several important trends in modern terrorism:

• Transnational Radicalization: Khan was radicalized online while living in Canada, but planned an attack in the U.S., illustrating the borderless nature of terrorist threats.

• Symbolic Targeting: Extremists continue to choose symbolic locations and dates for maximum psychological and political impact.

• Youth Vulnerability: At just 20 years old, Khan’s radicalization shows how susceptible young individuals are to extremist propaganda on the internet.

• Law Enforcement Cooperation: The operation demonstrates the importance of seamless coordination between international agencies to prevent terrorist acts.

The extradition of Muhammad Shahzeb Khan marks a significant counterterrorism success, preventing what could have been a tragic and deadly attack against innocent civilians. His case is a sobering reminder of the persistent threat posed by ideological extremism, especially when fueled by online radicalization.

As Khan prepares to face justice in U.S. courts, federal officials are continuing their investigation into possible co-conspirators and broader extremist networks. In the meantime, the case serves as both a warning and a call to action for continued vigilance in safeguarding public spaces and upholding the values of safety, tolerance, and justice.