US Justice Department Charges Afghan National in Alleged Election Day Terror Plot

The United States Department of Justice announced the arrest of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, who is charged with planning a terrorist attack on Election Day. This alleged plot was reportedly in support of the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, in a statement on Tuesday, indicated that Tawhedi was motivated by ISIS and was allegedly conspiring to carry out a violent attack on US soil. The FBI has accused Tawhedi of attempting to stockpile firearms and taking measures to liquidate his family’s assets while planning to relocate them overseas.

Prosecutors have charged Tawhedi with providing and attempting to provide support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, procuring firearms and ammunition to commit acts of terrorism, and conspiracy. An unnamed juvenile relative, also an Afghan citizen, is identified as a co-conspirator in the federal case.

Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to combating threats posed by ISIS and its affiliates. “We will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals who seek to terrorize the American people,” Garland stated.

According to court documents and allegations by federal investigators, Tawhedi had conducted online searches for surveillance cameras in Washington, DC, and researched states with looser gun laws. He aimed to purchase AK-47 assault rifles, meeting undercover FBI operatives to acquire the weapons and ammunition.

The affidavit further claims that Tawhedi was in communication with a known ISIS recruiter via the messaging platform Telegram, discussing logistics for the alleged attack. Evidence presented includes donations to front charities linked to ISIS, and a video purportedly showing Tawhedi explaining martyrdom to his child.

Tawhedi, who entered the US on a special immigrant visa in September 2021, is currently on parole awaiting the adjudication of his immigration proceedings. The legal representation for Tawhedi was not immediately clear at the time of the report.

This case reiterates the Justice Department’s focus on securing the upcoming presidential election from foreign interference. The plot, reportedly aimed at large gatherings, was disrupted less than a month before Election Day.