Pakistani man pleads guilty to plotting attack on New York Jewish center

Defendant admits 'morally reprehensible' plan to support ISIS by targeting Jewish community

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:29am

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An extreme close-up of a handgun magazine loaded with ammunition, reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of this crime story.A chilling reminder of the tools of terror, this stark image conceptually represents the threat of homegrown extremism targeting vulnerable communities.Brooklyn Today

A 32-year-old Pakistani man has pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge, admitting he plotted to attack a Jewish community center in Brooklyn, New York in an effort to support the Islamic State terrorist group. The man, who was arrested in 2025, acknowledged his plan was 'morally reprehensible' and expressed remorse for his actions.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about homegrown terrorism and the threat of lone-wolf attacks targeting minority communities. It also underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and stopping such plots before they can be carried out.

The details

According to court documents, the defendant began researching potential targets and methods for an attack in 2024. He ultimately settled on a Jewish community center in Brooklyn as his intended target, believing it would maximize casualties and draw attention to the Islamic State. The man purchased weapons and conducted reconnaissance on the site before his arrest.

  • The defendant began planning the attack in 2024.
  • He was arrested by authorities in 2025.
  • The defendant pleaded guilty to the terrorism charge on April 9, 2026.

The players

Pakistani man

A 32-year-old Pakistani national who pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge for plotting to attack a Jewish community center in Brooklyn, New York in order to support the Islamic State terrorist group.

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What they’re saying

“It was a morally reprehensible idea to support ISIS by plotting to kill Jewish people.”

— Defendant

What’s next

The defendant will be sentenced at a later date, where he faces up to 20 years in prison for the terrorism charge.

The takeaway

This case underscores the persistent threat of homegrown terrorism and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and local communities to identify and stop such plots before they can be carried out.