The U.S. Department of Justice has announced the arrest of a man allegedly plotting an attack on Election Day inspired by the Islamic State group.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan citizen living in Oklahoma City, faces serious charges from federal prosecutors. “This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack on Election Day on our homeland,” stated an FBI representative.
According to the FBI, Tawhedi was in the process of stockpiling firearms and had also taken measures to liquidate family assets and move relatives overseas.
He is charged with providing support to a foreign terrorist organization, attempting to procure firearms and ammunition, and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism. The FBI alleges Tawhedi collaborated with a juvenile relative, who is also an Afghan citizen. Reports indicate he consumed ISIS propaganda online and donated to a charity linked to the group.
“We will continue to combat the ongoing threat that ISIS and its supporters pose to America’s national security,” stated a representative from the Department of Justice, emphasizing the commitment to identify and prosecute individuals seeking to harm the American public.
Federal authorities revealed Tawhedi searched for surveillance equipment in Washington, as well as states with looser gun regulations. He reportedly sought AK-47 rifles for the planned attack and met with undercover FBI operatives to purchase weapons on October 7, leading to his arrest.
Following his arrest on Monday, the FBI reported that Tawhedi allegedly confirmed plans for an Election Day attack targeting large gatherings, expressing a willingness to die in the act.
Having arrived in the U.S. in September 2021 on a special immigrant visa, Tawhedi lived in Oklahoma City with his wife and young child at the time of his arrest. Legal representation details remain unclear.
