An Afghan national living in Oklahoma, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, was charged with conspiring to carry out a terrorist attack on Election Day on behalf of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group. Tawhedi, 27, was arrested for conspiracy and attempting to provide material support to ISIS in order to carry out a violent attack in the U.S. He made an initial appearance in federal court in Oklahoma City and was accused of planning the attack for November 5th to target large gatherings. He also intended to die a martyr along with a juvenile co-conspirator. The Justice Department is committed to combating the ongoing threat that ISIS poses to America’s national security.
Tawhedi made efforts to liquidate his family’s assets, resettle family members in Afghanistan, and obtain AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition. He also viewed and saved ISIS propaganda and searched for information on accessing Washington D.C. cameras and U.S. states with permitless carry gun laws. In late August, he attempted to liquidate family assets, including property in Moore, Oklahoma. Tawhedi’s arrest raised concerns about potential political violence surrounding the upcoming election. President Joe Biden expressed confidence in a free and fair election but was less certain about its peacefulness. Both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris condemned political violence in response to the news of Tawhedi’s arrest.
Tawhedi, who entered the country on a special immigrant visa in September 2021, was arrested after attempting to buy rifles, magazines, and ammunition for the planned attack. Governor Kevin Stitt commended the information-sharing measures between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that led to the thwarting of the plot. This arrest demonstrated the U.S. government’s commitment to holding accountable those who seek to harm the nation and disrupt its way of life. The U.S. continues to battle the threat posed by ISIS both domestically and abroad, with recent military operations targeting ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria.
In June, eight men from Tajikistan with potential links to ISIS were arrested in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Defense officials reported a successful military operation in Iraq that killed at least 15 ISIS fighters, including leadership members. U.S. Central Command stated that ISIS claimed responsibility for 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of the year, indicating the ongoing threat posed by the terrorist group. The arrest of Tawhedi highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and protect national security. The U.S. government is committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals who seek to terrorize the American people.
