Arrest in Oklahoma: Suspected Election Day Terror Plot Foiled

The word "Terrorism" highlighted among other words.

An Afghan national’s alleged ISIS-inspired Election Day terror plot was thwarted in Oklahoma, raising questions about refugee vetting processes and national security.

At a Glance

  • Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, arrested for planning an ISIS-inspired attack on Election Day
  • Charges include attempting to provide material support to ISIS and obtaining firearms
  • Tawhedi entered the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021
  • Plot involved liquidating assets, resettling family overseas, and acquiring weapons
  • If convicted, Tawhedi faces up to 35 years in prison

Afghan National Arrested in Oklahoma for Alleged ISIS-Inspired Plot

The Department of Justice announced the arrest of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, for allegedly planning a terrorist attack in support of ISIS on U.S. Election Day. Tawhedi, who entered the country on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021, is charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as well as obtaining firearms and ammunition for the attack.

The arrest has sparked concerns about the vetting process for Afghan refugees, particularly in the wake of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Tawhedi’s case highlights potential gaps in national security measures and reignites debates surrounding immigration policies and homeland safety.

Details of the Alleged Plot

According to court documents, Tawhedi’s plan involved liquidating family assets, resettling family members overseas, and acquiring AK-47 rifles and ammunition. He allegedly viewed ISIS propaganda, contributed cryptocurrency to a Syria-based charity linked to ISIS, and searched for surveillance access in Washington, D.C., while seeking areas with lax gun laws.

“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 revealed plans to purchase two Kalashnikov rifles and 500 bullets, as well as discussions about selling a family member’s house to fund their activities. Tawhedi also arranged one-way tickets for his family to Kabul, indicating his intent to resettle them in Afghanistan.

Arrest and Admission

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.

“This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack, on Election Day, here on our homeland,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

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 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.

National Security Implications

The thwarted plot has drawn attention to ongoing terrorism threats within the United States. National security officials have warned of an elevated terrorism risk, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective counterterrorism measures.

“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.

As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of domestic terrorism and the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing such attacks. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of current vetting procedures for individuals entering the country on special visas, prompting calls for a review of immigration policies and national security protocols.

Sources:

  1. Afghan national arrested for allegedly plotting ISIS-inspired Election Day terrorist attack
  2. Afghan man arrested in alleged US election day attack plot

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