Afghan Man Arrested for Planning Election Day Terrorist Attack \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The FBI has arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan man allegedly inspired by ISIS, for planning an Election Day attack on large U.S. crowds. Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in 2021, reportedly prepared for the attack by purchasing AK-47 rifles and arranging for his family’s return to Afghanistan. Charged with supporting a foreign terrorist organization, Tawhedi planned to die as a martyr alongside a juvenile co-conspirator, according to authorities.
Election Day Terror Plot Foiled: Quick Looks
- Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, arrested for plotting a terror attack inspired by ISIS.
- Tawhedi planned the attack to coincide with Election Day next month.
- Allegedly took steps to liquidate family assets and purchase weapons.
- Charged with providing material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
- FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that terrorism remains the agency’s top priority.
Deep Look:
In a major counterterrorism operation, the FBI has arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan man residing in Oklahoma City, for allegedly plotting an Election Day attack inspired by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS). The U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest on Tuesday, underscoring the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the FBI’s efforts to prevent such attacks.
According to charging documents, Tawhedi had been planning the attack for months, intending to target large gatherings of people across the United States on Election Day, which is scheduled for next month. Investigators revealed that Tawhedi was committed to dying as a martyr during the planned assault, along with a juvenile co-conspirator who remains unidentified. The duo reportedly believed they would be killed during their act of terrorism, which they hoped would bring widespread devastation and further ISIS’s cause.
Preparation and Planning
Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in 2021, had recently accelerated his preparations for the attack. Authorities said he had ordered AK-47 rifles and made arrangements to liquidate his family’s assets to support his violent plan. In a further sign of his intent, Tawhedi also purchased one-way tickets for his wife and child to return to Afghanistan, suggesting he did not expect to survive the planned attack.
The FBI became aware of Tawhedi’s activities and took swift action to prevent any potential harm. The investigation revealed that he had been deeply inspired by ISIS propaganda and was determined to act on its call for violence against the U.S. The FBI arrested Tawhedi on Monday, preventing the attack before it could be carried out.
FBI Response
In a statement following the arrest, FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that combating terrorism remains the agency’s top priority. “Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people,” Wray said, praising the efforts of law enforcement in preventing what could have been a devastating attack.
Tawhedi was charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIS. Under U.S. law, ISIS is designated as a foreign terrorist group, and any support for the organization is illegal. The charge carries significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, if convicted.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
As of now, it remains unclear whether Tawhedi has legal representation. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are likely looking into whether others may have been involved in the plot or if additional threats exist. Tawhedi’s juvenile co-conspirator, whose identity has not been released, may also face charges in connection with the planned attack.
ISIS Influence and Domestic Terrorism
This case highlights the enduring influence of ISIS on lone actors and small groups within the United States. Despite the group’s territorial losses in the Middle East, ISIS continues to inspire individuals to carry out acts of violence through online propaganda and radical messaging. Tawhedi’s case is another reminder of the threat posed by individuals radicalized within the U.S., and the FBI’s vigilance in preventing such attacks remains critical.
In recent years, U.S. counterterrorism efforts have increasingly focused on identifying individuals who are inspired by terrorist organizations to act independently. These “lone wolf” attackers often go unnoticed until they are close to carrying out their plans, making intelligence and monitoring efforts all the more essential.
The plot foiled by the FBI comes amid broader concerns about election-related security. Authorities have been particularly focused on preventing any disruptions during the upcoming Election Day, which is expected to attract large crowds across the country.
Conclusion
The FBI’s arrest of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi has prevented a potentially deadly attack on U.S. soil, underscoring the continued threat of terrorism in the country. Tawhedi’s alleged plan to carry out violence on Election Day highlights the persistence of extremist ideologies, including those propagated by ISIS, in inspiring domestic terrorism. As law enforcement agencies remain on high alert, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in ensuring public safety.
Afghan Man
