FBI arrests Afghan man planning election day terror attack

The Justice Department announced Tuesday that charges were filed against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, for conspiring to carry out a terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) on Election Day, Nov. 5. Tawhedi, 27, arrived in the country on a special immigrant visa and is accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as well as acquiring firearms and ammunition to execute his plan.

Details of the conspiracy

Court documents indicate that Tawhedi, who was admitted to the United States during the tumultuous evacuation of Afghanistan under the Harris-Biden administration, had taken steps to sell his family's assets and move loved ones overseas. In addition, he attempted to acquire AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition to carry out the attack. According to the investigation, he planned to execute the attack during large gatherings, stating in a post-arrest interview that he hoped to die a martyr's death along with an underage accomplice.

FBI intervention and arrest

The investigation intensified after obtaining communications indicating that Tawhedi was in contact with individuals facilitating recruitment and training for terrorist activities. The FBI was able to thwart his plan when Tawhedi met with agents in rural Oklahoma, where he was offered assault rifles and ammunition, leading to his arrest.

Department of Justice reaction

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland celebrated that the Department of Justice intersected the plot to acquire weapons and commit a violent attack on behalf of ISIS on U.S. soil. "We will continue to combat the ongoing threat that ISIS and its supporters pose to America’s national security, and we will identify, investigate, and prosecute the individuals who seek to terrorize the American people," he said.

Legal consequences

Tawhedi faces charges that could carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, plus up to an additional 15 years for possession of firearms with the intent to commit a felony. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI's Oklahoma City Field Office, with support from the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Moore Police Department.