With the 2024 elections approaching many law enforcement agencies are on the lookout for terrorist activity. An arrest was made of an Afghan National for planning an ISIS-inspired attack on election day. He was charged with Terrorism and firearm possession. The FBI thwarted the attack.`
Terror Plot Unveiled in Oklahoma
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, was arrested on charges of planning a terrorist attack in the United States aimed at disrupting a significant political event on Election Day. Tawhedi was accused of providing ISIS with material including ammunition and weapons.
Tawhedi is accused of liquidating family assets and moving his family overseas. U.S. authorities discovered he had acquired AK-47 rifles and sought ammunition for the attack. During a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi expected to become a martyr for his participation in 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
Investigation and Arrest
Tawhedi entered the United States on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021 and remained on parole status pending immigration proceedings. He actively participated in sharing ISIS material and sending $540 to an ISIS group in Syria. Federal investigators utilized an undercover agent to communicate with Tawhadi and his collaborators.
Authorities disclosed that Tawhedi communicated with individuals regarding purchasing Kalashnikov rifles, arranged to sell his father-in-law’s home, and planned to resettle his family in Afghanistan. Evidence from Tawhedi’s computer showed ISIS propaganda and recorded discussions of martyrdom, emphasizing ISIS-inspired violence. Following an attempted firearms purchase, the FBI arrested Tawhedi and his brother-in-law, leading to significant disruptions to their alleged plot.
🚨BREAKING: Afghan national in Oklahoma who enter the U.S. on a special immigration visa under Biden/Harris administration arrested for plotting Election Day terror attack in US on behalf of ISIS.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, entered the U.S. in September 2021 on a special immigrant… pic.twitter.com/w3jKRxtVK1
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) October 8, 2024
Government’s Strategic Measures
The U.S. The Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. The Afghan national faces charges of providing support to a terrorist group and attempting to procure firearms which could place Tawhadi in prison for 35 years.
“Their ultimate aim was to stage a violent attack in the United States in the name of and on behalf of ISIS,” prosecutors reported.
This arrest underscores ongoing concerns over refugee admissions programs and national security protocols. As authorities continue to combat terrorism threats prompted by global conflicts, FBI Director Christopher Wray reiterated that terrorism remains a top priority for the agency.
