An Afghan refugee in Oklahoma has been arrested for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on Election Day, raising concerns about refugee vetting procedures and national security. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi was caught meeting with an undercover FBI agent to buy assault rifles and ammunition. He also confirmed the weaponry was going to be used for election day attacking innocent people making him a martyr. This caused growing concerns over the global threat to the U.S. especially because Tawhedi entered the nation as a immigrant in 2021 under Biden-Harris.
FBI Thwarts Election Day Terror Plot
In a shocking development, the FBI has arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, for allegedly planning a terrorist attack on U.S. soil in support of ISIS. The plot, which targeted Election Day, has sent ripples through the nation’s security apparatus and reignited debates over refugee vetting processes.
Tawhedi, who entered the United States on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021, is currently facing charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as well as obtaining firearms and ammunition for the attack. The gravity of these allegations has prompted a swift and decisive response from law enforcement agencies.
Election Day Terrorist Attack
An Afghan citizen living in Oklahoma was arrested for planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS on Election Day.
He was given a special immigration visa on September 9th, 2021.
Kamala’s administration welcomed him into the country. pic.twitter.com/Q8n7oFJaXY
— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) October 8, 2024
The Unfolding of a Sinister Plot
According to court documents, Tawhedi’s plans were far-reaching and meticulously crafted. The plot involved liquidating family assets, resettling family members overseas, and acquiring AK-47 rifles and ammunition. These actions raised red flags for investigators, who had been monitoring Tawhedi’s activities.
“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’s investigation revealed that Tawhedi had viewed ISIS propaganda and contributed $540 in cryptocurrency to a charity in Syria linked to the terrorist organization. He also allegedly searched for surveillance access in Washington, D.C., and sought areas with lax gun laws, demonstrating a clear intent to carry out his nefarious plans.
Election Day terror plot foiled by the FBI.
This is why you should vote early. pic.twitter.com/aCqGPf5WRO
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 8, 2024
Law Enforcement’s Coordinated Response
The arrest of Tawhedi is a testament to the vigilance and effectiveness of U.S. law enforcement agencies. The FBI utilized a confidential human source and an undercover agent to interact with Tawhedi and his associates, gathering crucial evidence that led to his apprehension.
“This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack, on Election Day, here on our homeland,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Just before their arrest, Tawhedi and his brother-in-law received two AK-47 rifles, a move that likely precipitated law enforcement action. In a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi admitted that the weapons were intended for an Election Day attack targeting large gatherings, chillingly stating that he expected to be martyred in the process.
Implications for National Security
This foiled plot comes at a time of heightened concern over domestic terrorism threats. National security officials have warned of an elevated terrorism risk, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The case of Tawhedi raises uncomfortable questions about the efficacy of current vetting procedures for Afghan refugees, particularly in light of the controversial American withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“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 moves forward, Tawhedi faces charges that could result in a maximum of 35 years in prison if convicted. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, underscoring its significance to national security.
