WASHINGTON − Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old citizen of Pakistan living in Canada, has been arrested for allegedly trying to enter the United States to conduct a mass shooting at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York, in support of ISIS.

Khan was apprehended by Canadian authorities roughly 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border on September 4, as detailed in a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. He faces charges for attempting to provide resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIS.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed gratitude towards Canadian law enforcement for their timely intervention, stating, “Jewish communities — like all communities in this country — should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack.”

If found guilty, Khan could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years.

The complaint reveals that Khan started promoting his support for ISIS on social media and communicated with others via an encrypted messaging app around November 2023. His messages included the sharing of ISIS propaganda materials. Shortly after, while talking to two undercover law enforcement agents, Khan indicated that “October 7th and October 11th are the most opportune days for targeting Jews” because there would be protests on October 7 and Yom Kippur falls on October 11. Initially, Khan considered attacking a different, unnamed city but later focused on New York City.

The announcement of Khan’s arrest coincided with the U.S. Department of Justice revealing charges against six senior Hamas figures related to the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Details about Khan’s case haven’t yet appeared in the federal court system database, and an attorney representing him has not yet been identified. The U.S. has requested his extradition, as mentioned in a news release.

Khan discussed his attack plans with undercover agents, including arrangements for housing and contacting a smuggler to facilitate his entry into the U.S. He also mentioned intending to collaborate with an unnamed ISIS supporter based in the U.S., although that individual later withdrew from the plan.

According to the complaint, Khan urged undercover officers to acquire AR-15 style rifles, ammunition, and other weapons, saying they needed “some good hunting knives to slit their throats.” He frequently emphasized his wish to execute the attack in support of ISIS, claiming that “if we succeed with our plan, this would be the largest attack on U.S. soil since 9/11,” according to the allegations.