FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 9, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the below statement, following the arrest of a Pakistani man for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at the Chabad Headquarters 770 located within District 9 in Brooklyn, NY in support of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel:

“I am extremely grateful and appreciative to our federal agencies and Canadian partners who investigated and thwarted this heinous terrorist plot by a Pakistani national, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, who held the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible.

“In the aftermath of Hamas’ horrific attack last October, we have seen a disturbing rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks across our country and world.

“This potential attack was a prime example of how vital it is to preserve our relationships with our allies and partners in facing terrorism challenges and fortifying our counterterrorism capabilities – by identifying and counteracting threats before they reach our shores and borders.

“Utilizing social media platforms to spread propaganda and hate-filled ideologies to recruit and organize violent extremists, the threat environment from a variety of threat actors in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is drawing inspiration from foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) intending to sow fear and discord throughout our nation.

“I am thankful to the NYPD for recognizing the potential threats ahead and developing plans for increased security for our Jewish communities as they ready to commemorate Yom Kippur in the coming weeks.

“We must continue to adapt to this evolving threat landscape to protect the country from its persistent terrorist adversaries. I take great satisfaction in serving the 9th District in Brooklyn, which serves as a gateway representing a diverse range of racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds. My constituents and people all over this great nation should be able to worship freely without fear that their communities will be targeted by hate.”

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