A Pakistani citizen living in Canada has been extradited to the United States to face serious terrorism charges, including attempts to support ISIS and allegedly planning a mass shooting at a Jewish centre in Brooklyn.

US federal authorities confirmed the extradition, which marks a significant development in a cross-border counter-terrorism operation.

Extradition to the United States confirmed

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani national, was arrested by Canadian authorities on 4 September 2024. Following months of investigation, he was handed over to US officials to face charges linked to terrorism and support for the Islamic State group.

FBI Director Kash Patel, posting on social media platform X, described the development as “major news” and praised the collaborative efforts that prevented the attack.

“Muhammad Shahzeb Khan was extradited to the United States on charges of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and attempting to commit acts of terrorism,” Patel stated.

Alleged radicalisation and online activity

According to US Justice Department filings and charging documents, Khan began displaying his support for ISIS in November 2023. He reportedly posted content favouring the group on social media and used encrypted apps to spread ISIS propaganda, including videos and extremist literature.

He came into contact with two undercover law enforcement officers posing as like-minded individuals. During their exchanges, Khan openly discussed his aspirations to carry out attacks in the US in the name of ISIS.

Terror plot aimed at Jewish communities

Khan allegedly revealed that he had worked with a US-based contact, referred to as “Associate-1”, to plan a terrorist attack in an unnamed American city. He expressed his intention to use AR-style assault rifles to "target… Israeli Jewish chabads… scattered all around [City-1]."

In August 2024, he is said to have chosen New York City as his primary target. He identified the city due to its “largest Jewish population in America” and specifically mentioned a prominent Jewish centre in Brooklyn as his focus.

According to the DOJ, Khan had marked 7 October 2024 for the attack, noting it as the first anniversary of the Hamas assault on Israel. During one exchange, he told officers, “If we succeed with our plan this would be the largest attack on US soil since 9/11.”

Attempt to enter the US and arrest

As part of the operation, Khan allegedly attempted to cross into the United States from Canada with the aid of a human smuggler. He travelled from near Toronto and was intercepted around Ormstown, Canada, roughly 12 miles from the US border.

Canadian authorities arrested him on 4 September 2024 before he could enter the United States and potentially carry out the planned attack.

Charges filed 

The US Department of Justice has charged Khan with two major offences:

One count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years.

One count of attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, which could result in life imprisonment.

Ongoing legal proceedings 

The case is being led by the National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant US Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles are overseeing the prosecution, with Kevin Nunnally from the DOJ’s Counterterrorism Section assisting the team.

FBI Director Patel also noted in his post: “Thankfully, the great work of FBI teams and our partners exposed those plans and shut them down — and Khan was arrested by Canadian authorities on September 4, 2024.”

“This case is a reminder of the constant threat of terrorism facing every corner of the world — as well as the disturbing rise in threats against our Jewish communities,” he added.