A Pakistani citizen has pleaded guilty in a US court to charges linked to a planned terrorist attack in New York, marking a major development in an international terrorism case. The accused, 21-year-old Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, admitted to attempting to carry out an attack aimed at a Jewish religious centre in Brooklyn. Authorities said the plot was inspired by the extremist group Islamic State and was intended to result in large-scale casualties.

According to prosecutors, Khan had planned a mass shooting using automatic weapons, with the attack timed to coincide with the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel. His stated objective was to kill as many Jewish people as possible. Investigators revealed that Khan had been living in Canada before attempting to enter the United States to execute the plan. He was arrested near the US-Canada border in 2024 after interacting with individuals he believed were collaborators but who were actually undercover law enforcement officers.

During the investigation, Khan reportedly expressed strong support for ISIS ideology online and discussed detailed plans, including acquiring firearms and identifying specific targets in New York City. He described the city as an ideal location due to its large Jewish population and even claimed the attack could rival the scale of September 11 attacks. 

In court, Khan acknowledged his actions and expressed regret, calling his plan morally wrong. He has pleaded guilty to attempting to commit acts of terrorism that transcend national boundaries and now faces the possibility of life imprisonment. His sentencing is scheduled for August 2026. The case underscores ongoing concerns among US authorities about self-radicalised individuals influenced by extremist propaganda and highlights continued vigilance against potential terror threats.