The U.S. Department of Justice has arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan citizen living in Oklahoma City, for allegedly planning an Election Day attack in support of the Islamic State group.
According to prosecutors, Tawhedi, motivated by ISIS, conspired to carry out a violent attack on U.S. soil.
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated, “This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack on Election Day here on our homeland.”
The FBI claims that Tawhedi was attempting to stockpile firearms and had made arrangements to sell his family’s assets, with plans to relocate them overseas.
Tawhedi faces multiple charges, including providing or conspiring to provide support to a foreign terrorist organization and attempting to acquire firearms for a terror-related attack.
He reportedly worked with a juvenile relative, also from Afghanistan, and consumed ISIS propaganda online. He is also accused of donating to a charity linked to the Islamic State.
Attorney General Merrick Garland reiterated the DOJ’s commitment to countering the ISIS threat, saying, “We will continue to combat the ongoing threat that ISIS and its supporters pose to America’s national security.”
Authorities allege that Tawhedi searched for surveillance cameras in Washington, D.C., and researched states with lax gun laws.
He sought AK-47 rifles to carry out the attack and, along with his co-conspirator, attempted to purchase the weapons from undercover FBI agents. After the transaction, both were arrested.
In a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi allegedly admitted to planning the Election Day attack, targeting large gatherings, and intending to die while carrying it out.
Tawhedi had entered the U.S. in 2021 on a special immigrant visa with his family. It remains unclear if he has secured legal representation.
Source-BBC
