The US Department of Justice has arrested a man who allegedly planned an attack on Election Day in the name of the Islamic State group. The suspect, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, is a citizen of Afghanistan residing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, according to prosecutors.
Afghan man arrested
“This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack, on Election Day, here on our homeland,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray in a statement on Tuesday.
The FBI said he was attempting stockpile firearms, and had taken steps to liquidate his family’s assets and relocate members overseas Tawhedi is charged with providing, attempting to provide, and conspiracy to provide support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization; and with trying to procure firearms and ammunition to use to commit a felony or act of terrorism.
The FBI said Mr Tawhedi worked with an unnamed co-conspirator, who is a juvenile relative and also a citizen of Afghanistan. It accuses him of consuming Islamic State propaganda via the internet, based on Google records obtained by law enforcement, and donating to a charity used as a front for IS.
US authorities have arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national, for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day, November 5, 2024. Tawhedi, who had been living in Oklahoma, was reportedly inspired by ISIS and had plans to target large crowds during the upcoming election. He was arrested after purchasing AK-47 rifles and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent. Authorities believe he was preparing to commit the attack in the name of the Islamic State group.
Tawhedi arrived in the US in 2021 through a special visa program after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. His arrest followed a lengthy investigation, during which he was found to be collaborating with a juvenile accomplice, who is also believed to be his brother-in-law. Both individuals were reportedly preparing to die as martyrs during the planned attack.
In addition to purchasing weapons, Tawhedi had taken steps to liquidate his family’s assets and arrange for their relocation overseas. Following his arrest, he was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and possession of firearms in relation to terrorism. If convicted, he could face up to 35 years in prison.
This incident underscores the ongoing threats posed by lone-wolf attackers and small groups inspired by extremist ideologies. US officials, including Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray, commended the efforts of law enforcement in thwarting the plot before it could be carried out.
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