A suspect in a NYC terror plot returns to court in Montreal as extradition proceedings begin
Montreal: A 20-year-old Pakistani national, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, is back in court today. He was arrested in Quebec for allegedly planning a mass shooting targeting Jews in New York City.
Khan has been in jail since September 4, and U.S. authorities want him extradited to face charges. They claim he was preparing to attack a Jewish center in Brooklyn around the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.
During the hearing, a judge emphasized the need for a swift resolution. Khan’s lawyer argued for his transfer to Montreal for better communication, as Khan doesn’t speak French.
Before his arrest, Khan lived in Mississauga, Ontario, and arrived in Canada on a student visa in June 2023. The FBI got wind of him after an informant noticed his pro-Islamic State posts on social media.
In October 2023, Khan shared quotes from jihadist figures and even posted a photo of a disassembled weapon. He later moved conversations to an encrypted platform, fearing FBI detection.
Unbeknownst to him, the FBI was monitoring his chats. They linked him to a pro-Islamic State group discussing attacks in various countries. In July 2024, he talked about forming a cell of supporters and planning an attack against “Zionist Jews.”
After a related arrest in Toronto, Khan urged his group to stay low-key and well-armed. By mid-August, he was ready to travel to the U.S., targeting New York City specifically.
On September 4, he set off from Toronto, switching vehicles before being arrested in Ormstown. His lawyer claims the case is a result of entrapment.
