The Justice Department announced Tuesday that Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan citizen residing in Oklahoma, has been charged with planning a terrorist attack on U.S. Election Day, allegedly acting on behalf of the Islamic State (ISIS). Tawhedi, who entered the United States on a special immigrant visa shortly after the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, is accused of conspiring to carry out a violent assault aimed at large public gatherings. He and an underage accomplice allegedly intended to die as martyrs during the attack.
Tawhedi entered the country on September 9, 2021, a few weeks after the U.S. completed its controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan, and has since been on parole while awaiting the outcome of his immigration case. Despite his pending legal status, authorities say Tawhedi meticulously prepared for an assault on American soil, acquiring firearms, ammunition, and coordinating with others to execute the plot on Election Day.
“As charged, the Justice Department foiled the defendant’s plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons and commit a violent attack in the name of ISIS on U.S. soil on Election Day,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said. According to the indictment, Tawhedi began liquidating his family’s assets and moved his relatives out of the U.S. in the lead-up to the planned attack. He reportedly acquired AK-47 rifles and ammunition, with the intention of using them in a mass-casualty event that federal prosecutors allege was motivated by ISIS.
In communications intercepted by law enforcement, Tawhedi allegedly indicated that he and the juvenile co-conspirator intended to die as martyrs in the attack. FBI Director Christopher Wray praised the coordinated efforts that led to the unraveling of the plan. “This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack, on Election Day, here on our homeland,” Wray said. “I am proud of the men and women of the FBI who uncovered and stopped the plot before anyone was harmed. Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people.”
Federal authorities uncovered extensive evidence linking Tawhedi to ISIS. Investigators found propaganda saved to his iCloud account and discovered that he had been active in pro-ISIS Telegram groups. He also contributed to a charity that prosecutors allege funneled money to the terrorist group. Additionally, a search of his electronic devices revealed a video in which Tawhedi was seen reading to children from texts describing the afterlife rewards awaiting martyrs. Tawhedi’s digital communications also connected him to an individual who allegedly facilitated recruitment and training for ISIS operatives.
The plot came to a head when Tawhedi and his underage accomplice attempted to sell their family’s personal property as part of the liquidation effort. They advertised items for sale on Facebook, and an FBI confidential informant responded, claiming interest in purchasing a computer. This led to an undercover meeting at a rural location where Tawhedi and the juvenile tested firearms and expressed interest in purchasing two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition. During the encounter, Tawhedi reportedly confirmed his desire to go through with the attack, believing that he was dealing with individuals who could supply the weapons.
Tawhedi was arrested on Monday and charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS and receiving firearms for the purpose of committing a felony or act of terrorism. If convicted, he could face up to 35 years in prison. He appeared in federal court in Oklahoma on Tuesday to face charges.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt applauded law enforcement for their quick actions in stopping the plot. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our investigators and law enforcement officers for successfully uncovering and stopping this terrorist plot before innocent lives were put in danger,” Stitt said. “Those who seek to harm our nation, threaten our freedoms, and disrupt our way of life will be held accountable and face the full force of the law.”
