Pakistani Student Pleads Guilty to Plotting Terror Attack on Jewish Centre in New York

New York — A Pakistani national who entered Canada on a student visa has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to terrorism-related charges after admitting he plotted a mass shooting targeting Jewish people in New York City, in what authorities described as a planned act of extremist violence inspired by the Islamic State.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 21, entered his guilty plea in Manhattan federal court, acknowledging that he intended to cross into the United States from Canada in September 2024 with the goal of carrying out an attack at a Jewish centre in Brooklyn. Prosecutors said the plot was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, and that Khan sought to kill as many people as possible.

According to U.S. officials, Khan had been living in Canada after arriving in Toronto in June 2023 on a student visa. He was arrested in September 2024 near the U.S. border and later transferred to American custody. Authorities allege he had been radicalized online and began expressing support for extremist ideology months after his arrival.

In court, Khan admitted he had planned to use firearms and knives in the attack and had explored renting a location near the intended target. Prosecutors said he communicated with individuals he believed were collaborators but who were in fact undercover law enforcement officers. During those exchanges, he allegedly discussed targeting a prominent Jewish religious site in Brooklyn, citing the city’s large Jewish population as a factor.

Officials said Khan had also claimed he wanted to carry out one of the largest attacks on U.S. soil since the September 11 attacks, underscoring the seriousness of the threat. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s national security division, which described the plot as a clear example of transnational terrorism planning.

During his plea, Khan expressed remorse, telling the court that his actions were wrong and describing the plan as “morally reprehensible.” He said he regretted his involvement and acknowledged that he had not been raised to support such violence.

The presiding judge, Paul G. Gardephe, scheduled sentencing for Aug. 12, 2026. Khan faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment under U.S. law. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

Authorities say the case highlights ongoing concerns about online radicalization and cross-border security threats, particularly involving individuals who travel between Canada and the United States. Officials emphasized that early detection, surveillance and undercover operations played a critical role in preventing what could have been a devastating attack.

The investigation also underscores the continued focus by U.S. law enforcement on identifying and disrupting threats linked to extremist organizations, especially those targeting religious communities.

Courtesy: vancouversun