A 27-year-old Afghan national arrested in Oklahoma City, is facing charges of plotting an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in the United States (U.S.) on Election Day. According to multiple sources, the Afghan national, identified as Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, was previously employed as a security guard for the Central Intelligence Agency in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S. in 2021.
The indictment comes after the Justice Department repeatedly emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the November presidential election from foreign threats.
Tawhedi and his juvenile brother-in-law, who is also implicated in the plot, had reportedly taken steps to carry out the attack, including selling their home, liquidating their assets, and purchasing firearms and ammunition.
The Justice Department confirmed that Tawhedi had been under surveillance before he was arrested Monday after meeting with undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation agents posing as arms dealers. According to court documents, Tawhedi planned to target large gatherings on Election Day, November 5, and expected to die as a martyr.
Federal authorities allege Tawhedi had accessed ISIS propaganda online and contributed to an ISIS charity earlier this year. They are investigating whether he became radicalized after arriving in the U.S. or if he had ties to extremist groups prior to his entry. Tawhedi arrived in the U.S. in September 2021, shortly after the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, on humanitarian parole. He has since applied for lawful permanent resident status under the Special Immigrant Visa program.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration defended the vetting process for Afghan refugees, noting that every individual who entered the U.S. underwent extensive background checks.
Tawhedi remains in custody, and his detention hearing is scheduled for October 17.
#BREAKING: We’re learning more about the terrorist plot foiled in Oklahoma City.
According to the criminal complaint, “Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, conspired and attempted to provide material support to ISIS and obtained firearms and ammunition to conduct a violent attack.” pic.twitter.com/WEgO1yV2aW
— Wayne Stafford (@WayneStaffordTV) October 9, 2024
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