An Afghan national in Oklahoma has been arrested for allegedly plotting an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on Election Day, raising concerns about refugee vetting processes and national security. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi along with a juvenile were caught meeting an undercover FBI agent in a rural area to purchase an assault rifle and ammunition. He would later admit to investigators he planned an attack on Election Day targeting innocent people. If convicted, the suspect faces up to life in prison.
ISIS-Inspired Plot Uncovered
The Department of Justice has announced the arrest of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, for allegedly planning a terrorist attack in support of ISIS on U.S. Election Day. Tawhedi, who entered the United States on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021, is charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as well as obtaining firearms and ammunition for the attack.
The plot, as detailed by federal investigators, involved liquidating family assets, resettling family members overseas, and acquiring AK-47 rifles and ammunition. Tawhedi allegedly viewed ISIS propaganda, contributed cryptocurrency to a charity linked to ISIS, and searched for surveillance access in Washington, D.C., while seeking areas with lax gun laws.
FBI Investigation and Arrest
The FBI utilized a confidential human source and an undercover agent to interact with Tawhedi and his associates. Communications revealed plans to purchase two Kalashnikov rifles and 500 bullets, as well as discussions about selling his father-in-law’s house for $185,000 to fund their plans. Tawhedi also arranged to resettle his family in Afghanistan, purchasing one-way tickets for them to Kabul.
“Their ultimate aim was to stage a violent attack in the United States in the name of and on behalf of ISIS,” prosecutors wrote.
Shortly before their arrest, Tawhedi and his brother-in-law received two AK-47 rifles. During a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi admitted the weapons were intended for an Election Day attack targeting large gatherings, expecting to be martyred in the process.
Legal Implications and National Security Concerns
The charges against Tawhedi are severe, potentially resulting in a maximum of 35 years in prison if convicted. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Evidence includes communications about the attack plan, ISIS propaganda saved on his computer, and a video of him discussing martyrdom with children.
“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,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the FBI’s efforts in thwarting the plot. National security officials have warned of an elevated terrorism threat, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. This incident has reignited concerns about the vetting process for Afghan refugees and broader national security implications.
Implications for Afghan Refugee Vetting
Tawhedi’s case has sparked renewed debate about the effectiveness of the vetting process for Afghan refugees entering the United States. His entry on a Special Immigrant Visa in 2021, followed by alleged terrorist activities, raises questions about the thoroughness of background checks and the potential risks associated with rapid refugee resettlement programs.
As the investigation continues, lawmakers and security experts are calling for a review of current vetting procedures to ensure they adequately protect national security while maintaining the United States’ commitment to humanitarian assistance. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of balancing compassion with vigilance in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
