Afghan man charged in ISIS Election Day attack plot
Oklahoma resident planned to martyr in ISIS Election Day attack
An Afghan national residing in Oklahoma faces charges for planning a terror attack on Election Day on behalf of the Islamic State, where he and a juvenile accomplice intended to become martyrs, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.
Authorities report that Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, acquired firearms and ammunition for a violent assault on U.S. territory. He took several preparatory steps for the attack. Tawhedi entered the United States on 9 September 2021, a few weeks after U.S. forces exited Afghanistan, on a special immigrant visa and remains on parole status pending his immigration proceedings’ outcome.
He was detained on Monday and charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, along with receiving a firearm to commit a felony or federal terrorism crime. Tawhedi appeared in an Oklahoma federal court on Tuesday.
#UPDATE : The FBI has arrested an Afghan man who officials say was inspired by the Islamic State and was plotting an Election Day attack targeting large crowds in the U.S., the Justice Department said.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was arrested after the… pic.twitter.com/BlG18OnnNw
— upuknews (@upuknews1) October 9, 2024
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “As charged, the Justice Department prevented the defendant’s plan to acquire semi-automatic weapons and execute a violent attack in the name of ISIS on U.S. soil on Election Day.”
Before the planned attack, Tawhedi allegedly liquidated his family’s assets, relocated family members overseas, and procured AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition.
Communications seized by authorities show Tawhedi allegedly intended to target large gatherings on Election Day, where he and the juvenile planned to die as martyrs.
FBI Director Christopher Wray commented, “This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to carry out a violent attack on Election Day here in our homeland. I commend the FBI personnel who uncovered and thwarted the plot before any harm occurred. Terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority, and we will use every resource to safeguard the American public.”
Federal prosecutors claim Tawhedi communicated with an individual who facilitated the recruitment, training, and indoctrination of those interested in terrorist activities and who he believed was linked to ISIS. A search of his phone and electronic devices revealed a video from 20 July where Tawhedi read to children about the rewards of martyrdom in the afterlife. He also stored ISIS propaganda on his iCloud and engaged in pro-ISIS Telegram groups, contributing to a charity suspected of funneling money to ISIS.
While liquidating their family’s assets, Tawhedi and the juvenile advertised the sale of personal property on Facebook. An FBI informant inquired about a computer, claiming it was needed for a “gun business.”
This led to a meeting between Tawhedi, the juvenile, and FBI operatives at a rural location to test firearms. During this meeting, Tawhedi expressed interest in purchasing two AK-47 assault rifles, magazines, and ammunition from the informant, as stated by prosecutors.
If convicted, Tawhedi faces up to 35 years in prison.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Justice Department announces charges against an Afghan national for plotting an Election Day terrorist attack in the U.S. in support of ISIS, highlighting security concerns and international threats.(read more)
- CBS News reports on the arrest of an Afghan national, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, for planning an ISIS-inspired Election Day terrorist attack in the U.S., highlighting his use of special immigrant visa and online activities.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi?
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi is a 27-year-old Afghan citizen charged with plotting a terror attack on Election Day for ISIS.
What charges does Tawhedi face?
Tawhedi is charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS and receiving a firearm for a federal crime of terrorism.
How did Tawhedi prepare for the attack?
Tawhedi liquidated family assets, resettled family members overseas, acquired AK-47 rifles and ammunition, and communicated with ISIS affiliates.
What was the planned target of the attack?
The planned attack targeted large gatherings of people on Election Day, during which Tawhedi and a juvenile co-conspirator expected to die as martyrs.
How did the FBI stop the plot?
The FBI used a confidential informant to meet with Tawhedi and the juvenile, leading to their arrest before the attack could occur.
