(ProsperNews.net) – An Afghan citizen living in Oklahoma, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, has been charged with plotting a terror attack on Election Day on behalf of ISIS, according to the Justice Department. Authorities say Tawhedi, 27, had obtained firearms and ammunition to carry out a violent attack on U.S. soil, with the intent of dying as a martyr alongside a juvenile co-conspirator.
Tawhedi entered the U.S. on September 9, 2021, shortly after the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan. He arrived on a special immigrant visa, although the State Department has since stated that it is unclear if he was indeed part of that program. A department spokesperson, Matt Miller, said they are coordinating with other government agencies to clarify his immigration status, while stressing that the special visa program involves extensive vetting procedures.
Tawhedi was arrested on Monday and charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, along with receiving firearms to be used in a federal crime of terrorism. According to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Justice Department thwarted his plan to acquire semi-automatic weapons for a planned Election Day attack.
Authorities allege that Tawhedi had liquidated his family’s assets, moved family members overseas, and acquired AK-47 rifles and ammunition in preparation for the attack. In communications seized by investigators, Tawhedi revealed plans to target large gatherings on Election Day, with the expectation that he and his juvenile accomplice would die as martyrs.
FBI Director Christopher Wray commended the bureau for uncovering and stopping the plot before any harm was done. He emphasized that terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority and praised the agency’s efforts to protect Americans.
Tawhedi also allegedly communicated with individuals linked to ISIS recruitment and training, saved ISIS propaganda on his iCloud, and participated in pro-ISIS Telegram groups. He faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted. The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic terror plots inspired by foreign extremist groups like ISIS.
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