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In a high-profile counterterrorism case, Canada has extradited a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as “Shahzeb Jadoon,” to the United States. The extradition, which took place on Tuesday, follows an indictment filed in the Southern District of New York accusing Khan of plotting a Daesh-inspired mass shooting aimed at the Jewish community in New York City.
U.S. authorities allege that Khan, a resident of Canada, sought to carry out a coordinated terrorist attack using AR-style rifles on or around October 7, 2024 — the one-year anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel — targeting a Jewish centre in Brooklyn.
Serious Federal Charges Filed in New York
Khan faces two serious charges:
- Attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (Daesh)
- Attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. His initial appearance in a U.S. federal court was scheduled for later Tuesday.
High Praise for Law Enforcement from Top Officials
Attorney General Pamela Bondi described the case as a major victory in the fight against international terrorism.
“The foreign terrorist organization Daesh remains a clear and present danger to the American people, and our Jewish citizens are especially targeted by evil groups like these,” Bondi said.
“The Department of Justice is proud to help secure this extradition, and we will prosecute this man to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added:
“Khan allegedly tried to enter the U.S. to commit an attack on the Jewish community in New York City, planning a Daesh-inspired mass shooting. Thankfully, the great work of the FBI and our partners shut that down.”
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton further noted:
“Khan planned to use automatic weapons to kill as many members of our Jewish community as possible, all in support of Daesh. His deadly, anti-Semitic plan was thwarted by the diligent work of law enforcement.”
Alleged Plot Unfolded Through Online Radicalization and Undercover Operations
According to the unsealed criminal complaint, Khan began radicalizing online in November 2023, where he shared Daesh propaganda videos and called for violence via encrypted messaging platforms. It was through these channels that he engaged with two undercover law enforcement officers (UCs), believing they were fellow jihadists.
Khan allegedly discussed:
- Forming an “offline Daesh cell”
- Acquiring AR-style rifles, ammunition, and hunting knives
- Identifying Jewish centres and communities in New York City
- Crossing the Canada-U.S. border with assistance from human smugglers
He allegedly expressed that he wanted to cause mass casualties:
“We are going to NYC to slaughter them.”
“October 7 and October 11 are the best days for targeting the Jews.”
“Even if we don’t attack an event, we could rack up easily a lot of Jews.”
Shift in Target: From City-1 to New York City
Initially planning the attack in another unnamed U.S. city (“City-1”), Khan allegedly shifted his target to Brooklyn, New York, citing its large Jewish population. He shared maps, photos, and floor plans of Location-1, the Jewish centre he intended to target.
The FBI claims he discussed logistics for the attack, including:
- Renting property near the location
- Using multiple vehicles to obscure his movement
- Procuring weapons and tactical gear
- Crossing the U.S.-Canada border without detection
Attempted Border Crossing Thwarted by Canadian Authorities
On or around September 4, 2024, Khan made his move, traveling across Canada using three different vehicles in an attempt to evade detection. He was stopped by Canadian authorities in Ormstown, roughly 12 miles from the U.S. border.
He was provisionally arrested the same day based on a sealed U.S. federal complaint and held in Canadian custody pending extradition.
The Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice coordinated the extradition, working closely with FBI field offices in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
U.S. Determined to Pursue Justice
If found guilty, Khan could spend the rest of his life behind bars. A federal district judge will determine sentencing in line with U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
In the meantime, U.S. law enforcement agencies continue to investigate any potential accomplices or further threats tied to the plot. The FBI has urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly around sensitive dates and community spaces vulnerable to extremist threats.
