An Afghan refugee in Oklahoma has been arrested for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack targeting U.S. Election Day, raising concerns about refugee screening processes and national security.
At a Glance
- Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, arrested for plotting ISIS-related terrorist attack on Election Day
- Entered U.S. on Special Immigrant Visa in 2021, currently on parole status
- Charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and obtaining firearms
- Faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted
- Plot involved liquidating family assets and acquiring AK-47 rifles
Afghan National Arrested in Oklahoma City
Federal authorities have apprehended Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, on charges of planning a terrorist attack in support of ISIS. The plot, allegedly targeting Election Day in the United States, has sent shockwaves through law enforcement and raised questions about the effectiveness of refugee screening processes.
Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021, is currently on parole status pending immigration proceedings. The Department of Justice has charged him with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as well as obtaining firearms and ammunition for the attack.
BREAKING: An Afghan national living in Oklahoma has been charged with conspiring to carry out a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS on Election Day, according to newly unsealed court documents. https://t.co/bqdb9Y8DPc
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 8, 2024
Elaborate Plot Uncovered
The investigation revealed an intricate plot involving the liquidation of family assets, resettlement of family members overseas, and the acquisition of AK-47 rifles and ammunition. Tawhedi allegedly viewed ISIS propaganda, contributed cryptocurrency to a Syria-based charity linked to ISIS, and searched for surveillance access in Washington, D.C. “Their ultimate aim was to stage a violent attack in the United States in the name of and on behalf of ISIS,” prosecutors wrote.
The FBI utilized a confidential human source and an undercover agent to interact with Tawhedi and his associates. Communications intercepted by authorities detailed plans to purchase two Kalashnikov rifles and 500 bullets, as well as discussions about selling his father-in-law’s house for $185,000 to fund their nefarious activities.
Arrests and Admissions
Tawhedi and his brother-in-law received two AK-47 rifles shortly before their arrest. During a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi reportedly admitted that the weapons were intended for an Election Day attack targeting large gatherings, with the expectation of being martyred in the process.
The case has drawn attention to ongoing national security concerns, with officials warning of an elevated terrorism threat exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East. FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland have both praised the FBI’s efforts in thwarting the plot, emphasizing the ongoing priority of combating terrorism.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Tawhedi now faces charges that could result in a maximum of 35 years in prison if convicted. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. As with all defendants, Tawhedi is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
“The Justice Department foiled the defendant’s plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons and commit a violent attack in the name of ISIS on U.S. soil on Election Day,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
Evidence against Tawhedi includes communications about the attack plan, ISIS propaganda saved on his computer, and a video of him discussing martyrdom with children. The arrest of Tawhedi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to national security and the critical importance of vigilance in the face of potential terrorist activities.
