WASHINGTON — The FBI has taken into custody an Afghan man who allegedly intended to carry out an attack inspired by the Islamic State group on Election Day in the United States, as reported by the Justice Department on Tuesday.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old resident of Oklahoma City, disclosed to law enforcement agents following his arrest that he had timed his attack to happen on Election Day next month. He and an accomplice believed they would die as martyrs, as indicated by court documents.
Tawhedi, who arrived in the United States in September 2021, reportedly made significant preparations for his planned attack in the weeks leading up to his arrest. These actions included purchasing AK-47 rifles, selling off his family’s possessions, and buying one-way tickets for his wife and child to return to Afghanistan, according to officials.
This arrest occurs amid rising alertness from the FBI concerning the potential for extremist violence within the country. FBI Director Christopher Wray mentioned that he finds it challenging to remember a time during his career when various threats were collectively heightened. He emphasized that terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority and they will utilize all available resources to ensure the safety of the American public.
The FBI’s affidavit does not specify how Tawhedi came to their attention but includes evidence suggesting his commitment to executing the attack. A photograph taken in July, which is part of the affidavit, shows him reading to two young children, including his daughter, a narrative outlining the rewards that martyrs receive in the afterlife.
According to officials, Tawhedi engaged with Islamic State propaganda, supported a charity that purportedly serves as a front for the militant organization, and communicated with someone linked to recruitment efforts for extremism. In July, he also observed live feeds from webcams situated at prominent government buildings.
The alleged accomplice in his plot is only identified as a juvenile, a fellow Afghan national, and the brother of Tawhedi’s wife. Following their advertisement of items for sale on Facebook, the FBI sent an informant to establish communication with them. This informant eventually invited Tawhedi and his accomplice to a gun range, where they ordered firearms from an undercover FBI agent posing as a business partner.
On Monday, authorities arrested Tawhedi after he received two AK-47 rifles along with the ammunition he had ordered. The juvenile co-conspirator was also taken into custody, but no further details were provided due to their age.
Post-arrest, Tawhedi informed investigators about his intention to launch an attack targeting large crowds on Election Day. He faces charges for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State, categorized by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, Tawhedi could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
He appeared in court on Tuesday, where he was ordered to remain in custody. There was no immediate feedback from an attorney listed as representing him.
No clear information was available about whether he has legal representation capable of providing comments on his behalf.
At the home identified as belonging to Tawhedi’s family in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, a for-sale sign was visible. A woman who introduced herself as Tawhedi’s wife chose not to discuss the ongoing case.
Tawhedi entered the U.S. under a special immigrant visa in 2021 and has been on parole while awaiting the outcome of his immigration process. This program allows qualified Afghans, who risked their safety by assisting Americans, to apply to enter the U.S. with their families.
This status applies to those who served as interpreters for the U.S. military or played vital roles at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. The program has seen a significant influx of applicants since the tumultuous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, a coalition dedicated to aiding Afghans seeking to leave their home country, emphasized the importance of not placing collective blame on an entire community due to the actions of one individual. He highlighted that thousands of Afghans resettling in the U.S. are striving to create fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society.
“These individuals stood alongside us in Afghanistan for over two decades, exemplifying the values we cherish,” he stated. “Now they are our neighbors, and we must be there for them as they pursue safety and stability in their newfound home.”
