SCN Commends Coordinated Canadian and U.S. Law Enforcement in Thwarting Alleged ISIS Sympathizer Plot Targeting Major Jewish Institution
The Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, commends the coordinated efforts of U.S. and Canadian law enforcement in apprehending and charging Muhammad Shahzeb Khan for an alleged plot to carry out an attack on the Jewish community in the United States.
Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, was arrested by Canadian authorities on 04 September following an FBI tip. He allegedly planned to travel to the United States to conduct a mass attack against the Jewish community. The attack was intended to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the 07 October 2023 Hamas terror attack on the State of Israel.
According to the charges, Khan posted on social media and communicated on various messaging platforms about his support for the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), ultimately engaging in communications with undercover law enforcement officers and expressing his intent to undertake a targeted mass attack. Khan was apprehended prior to presenting any threat to the community.
SCN National Director & CEO Michael Masters
SCN is grateful to the FBI, Department of Justice, and Canadian law enforcement for their diligence and collaboration in stopping this offender from fulfilling his desire to attack the Jewish community. This case underscores the importance of high-level interagency coordination, vigilance, and preparedness amid the ongoing threat of terrorism and violence targeting the Jewish community, which strikes to the heart of the core values of religious freedom and liberty that are bedrock principles in our country.
With Jewish communities facing an unprecedented rise in vandalism, harassment, false bomb threats, and violent attacks, SCN has expanded the capacity of its 24/7 Jewish Security Operations Command Center (JSOCC), which monitors for threats and issues against the Jewish community and coordinates closely with the network of security professionals working on behalf of the Jewish community, as well as with law enforcement. SCN has also provided enhanced resources to the network of Jewish security officials, to include focusing efforts on key centers of Jewish life, such as camps and campuses.
In preparation for the High Holidays and the one-year anniversary of the 07 October 2023 Hamas terror attack on Israel, SCN is surging efforts to ensure the security of the community, especially as extremist groups and other actors have identified the anniversary date as potential as a potential inspiration for committing violence against Jewish communities in North America and worldwide. Additional details on SCN’s High Holiday preparedness efforts are available here.
In 2023, SCN logged a record 5,404 threat incidents and suspicious activity reports, 112% higher than 2022’s total of 2,551. Additionally, SCN worked closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement, including the FBI, to refer 1,619 individuals to authorities in 2023 — a 110% increase from 2022.
SCN urges every community to remain vigilant, review and enforce existing security protocols, and maintain coordination and communication with law enforcement and security personnel. For imminent threats or emergencies, dial 9-1-1, and report all suspicious activity to local law enforcement as well as appropriate local reporting authorities, and SCN’s 24/7 Duty Desk at [email protected] or by calling 844-SCN-DESK.
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