Man, 20, held in Canada accused of New York terror plot

Man, 20, held in Canada accused of New York terror plot

Canadian and American authorities have arrested a man accused of attempting to illegally enter the US to carry out a terrorist attack against Jewish communities in New York City on behalf of the Islamic State group.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was apprehended on Wednesday in Ormstown, Quebec, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the US border.

US officials report that Khan, a Pakistani national residing near Toronto, was planning a rifle attack timed for either the anniversary of the 7 October Hamas assault on Israel or the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur on 11 October.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The RCMP assured the public in a statement on Friday that despite Khan’s escalating plans, he was not an immediate threat before his arrest due to the strong partnership between Canada and the US.

Khan is scheduled to appear in court in Montreal on 13 September.

According to the FBI, Khan planned the attack with two individuals who were actually undercover agents. He had instructed these agents to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and hunting knives for the attack.

Additionally, Khan allegedly paid a human trafficker to smuggle him to the US border.

Officials say that in messages he sent to the undercover agents, he said “New York is perfect to target Jews [sic]” because of its relatively large Jewish population.

He also noted “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11”, referring to the 11 September 2001 attack by al-Qaeda.

“The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said: “This planned antisemitic attack against Jewish people in the US is deplorable and there is no place for such ideological and hate-motivated crime in Canada.”