Oklahoma City Man Arrested for Alleged Election Day Terror Plot
Oklahoma City, OK – A man from Afghanistan has been arrested for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day in the United States. The FBI took Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi into custody on Monday, with federal prosecutors charging him for planning the attack in support of ISIS. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday but did not plead, and he is currently in custody.
Tawhedi’s Background and Alleged Plot
The 27-year-old Tawhedi moved to the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021, shortly after the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan. This visa is typically granted to individuals who aided the U.S. military, often as translators or interpreters. Documents from the court reveal that Tawhedi remains on parole while his immigration situation is being resolved.
According to a federal criminal complaint unsealed on Tuesday, Tawhedi and a group of co-conspirators, which includes his juvenile brother-in-law, had deep ties to ISIS. They allegedly took significant steps to execute their planned attack. These steps included attempting to sell their family home, relocating their families abroad, and purchasing firearms and ammunition.
Evidence of the Plot
Investigators reviewed electronic records that indicated Tawhedi had been actively seeking out ISIS propaganda online. He reportedly sent approximately $540 in cryptocurrency to a charity in Syria believed to support ISIS operations. In late July, he also searched for surveillance equipment in Washington, D.C., checking live cams of well-known landmarks such as the White House and the Washington Monument. This raised alarm bells for authorities, who believe Tawhedi was searching for sites with more lenient gun laws.
The FBI took further steps, using a confidential source and later an undercover agent, to engage with Tawhedi and his associates. These interactions revealed Tawhedi’s intentions to sell assets and purchase weapons. In a message dated September 21, Tawhedi informed an associate that he had bought two Kalashnikov rifles and inquired whether they needed to increase their purchase of ammunition.
Plans for Execution
Tawhedi also shared details about the sale of his father-in-law’s house for $185,000, with expectations to receive the funds by mid-October. He discussed plans to help his family members relocate to Afghanistan and had booked one-way tickets for them to fly to Kabul on October 17. In a message that indicated the urgency of their plans, Tawhedi concluded, “After that we will begin our duty, God willing, with the help of God, we will get ready for the election day.”
Arrest and Post-Arrest Statements
On the day of his arrest, Tawhedi and his brother-in-law reportedly took possession of two AK-47 rifles. Following his apprehension, Tawhedi admitted that they intended to use the weapons to orchestrate an attack during gatherings on Election Day, with the expectation of becoming “martyred” in the process.
FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed pride in the bureau’s efforts, stating they had successfully thwarted the plot before any harm could occur. Attorney General Merrick Garland also emphasized the ongoing commitment to fighting ISIS and related threats to U.S. national security.
Concerns on the Threat Landscape
National security and intelligence experts caution that the threat of terrorism remains high. In previous statements, Wray noted that the landscape for potential attacks has become more complex and dangerous, particularly following conflicts in the Middle East. Authorities remain vigilant and prepared to combat any possible threats these groups may pose.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what further developments will arise in this concerning situation. The seriousness of the allegations against Tawhedi underscores the ongoing challenges authorities face regarding domestic terrorism.
