A Pakistani terrorist, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, has pleaded guilty to planning a major terror attack in the United States. Also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, the 21-year-old admitted to attempting to carry out acts of terrorism across national borders, including plans to enter the US and launch a mass shooting at a prominent Jewish centre in Brooklyn, New York.
Khan entered his guilty plea before Paul G. Gardephe and is now scheduled for sentencing on 12th August, 2026. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
CASE UPDATE from @NewYorkFBI: Pakistani National Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Commit Isis-Inspired Attack at Jewish Center in New York
— FBI (@FBI) April 8, 2026
Learn more: https://t.co/SWh6PRkRT7 pic.twitter.com/R1nymsvs4n
Planned attack linked to Hamas attacks in Israel anniversary
According to Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Khan had carefully planned the attack to coincide with the anniversary of the 7th October, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. His intention, authorities said, was to target the Jewish community and cause maximum casualties.
Pakistani national Muhammad Shahzeb Khan pleads guilty in US for ISIS-inspired terror plot targeting a Jewish center in New York.
— India First Post (@ifpost47) April 9, 2026
Planned mass-casualty attack around Oct 7 anniversary; sought weapons and even attempted illegal entry via Canada before arrest.
Another stark… pic.twitter.com/gV8wihXMl9
Assistant Attorney General said, “Khan planned a mass shooting at a Jewish centre in New York City… with the explicit goal of killing as many Jews as possible.” He added that Khan saw New York as the “perfect” location because of its large Jewish population and believed the attack could become “the largest attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.”
US Attorney Jay Clayton confirmed that the plot was inspired by ISIS ideology. “Muhammad Khan planned to carry out a horrendous attack… in support of ISIS,” he said, adding that the plan was stopped before Khan could even enter the United States.
Attack stopped before entry into the US
Officials said the plot was foiled thanks to coordinated efforts by multiple agencies, including the FBI and the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force.
FBI official Coult Markovsky said that Khan had intended to carry out a large-scale attack that “might have killed or injured many people.” He added that with the guilty plea, Khan will now “face the consequences of planning a mass shooting in New York City.”
Similarly, James C. Barnacle Jr. said that Khan was intercepted just 12 miles from the US border before he could execute his plan. “Khan planned to inflict significant casualties and fear… before he was intercepted,” he noted.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch also highlighted the importance of the operation. “The NYPD… was able to stop this dangerous plot before it could become a devastating attack,” she said, adding that the case shows the city’s commitment to preventing hate-driven violence.
ISIS links and detailed planning
Investigations revealed that Khan had been actively supporting ISIS online since late 2023. He shared propaganda videos and communicated with individuals about carrying out attacks in the US.
He was unaware that some of these individuals were undercover officers. During these conversations, Khan discussed using AR-style assault rifles and other weapons to target Jewish centres. He also instructed the officers to arrange weapons, ammunition, and even knives.
At one point, Khan said, “New York is perfect to target jews,” citing the city’s large Jewish population. He added chillingly, “We are going to NYC to slaughter them,” and even shared images of the exact location where he planned to attack.
Background of the case
The case dates back to November 2023, when Khan, who was living in Canada at the time, began expressing support for ISIS online. Over the following months, he developed a detailed plan to carry out attacks in the United States.
Initially, he considered targeting another US city, but later shifted his focus to New York. By August 2024, he had finalised his plan to attack a Jewish centre in Brooklyn around 7th October.
On 4th September, 2024, Khan attempted to travel from the Toronto area towards the US border with the help of a human smuggler. However, he was stopped and arrested in Ormstown, Canada, just 12 miles from the border.
Following his arrest, he was later extradited to the United States in June 2025. His guilty plea now brings the case closer to a conclusion, with sentencing expected later this year.
