FBI Arrests Afghan Man Allegedly Planning Election Day Attack in the U.S.
WASHINGTON — The FBI has arrested an Afghan man who officials say was inspired by the Islamic State militant organization and was plotting an attack targeting large crowds in the United States on Election Day. The Justice Department announced the arrest of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, of Oklahoma City, on Tuesday (Oct. 8).
Tawhedi reportedly informed investigators after his arrest on Monday that he had planned his attack to coincide with the upcoming Election Day and expressed that he and a co-conspirator expected to die as martyrs. He arrived in the U.S. in September 2021.
Recent investigations revealed that Tawhedi had taken significant steps to advance his attack plans, including ordering AK-47 rifles, liquidating his family’s assets, and purchasing one-way tickets for his wife and child to return to Afghanistan.
The arrest highlights the FBI’s ongoing concerns regarding potential extremist violence in the U.S. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized in August that he was “hard-pressed to think of a time in my career where so many different kinds of threats are all elevated at once.” He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating terrorism, stating, “Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people.”
The FBI affidavit does not specify how Tawhedi came to the attention of investigators but cites evidence indicating his determination to carry out an attack. A July photograph included in the affidavit reportedly shows Tawhedi reading to two young children, including his daughter, from a text that describes the rewards for martyrs in the afterlife.
Officials noted that Tawhedi had consumed Islamic State propaganda, contributed to a charity functioning as a front for the militant group, and communicated with an individual previously investigated for recruitment and indoctrination of extremist sympathizers. Additionally, he had reportedly viewed live feeds from the White House and the Washington Monument in July.
The co-conspirator in the plot was not named but was described as a juvenile Afghan national and the brother of Tawhedi’s wife. The FBI became involved after Tawhedi and his co-conspirator advertised personal property for sale on Facebook. An informant was enlisted to respond to the offer and later invited them to a gun range, where they ordered weapons from an undercover FBI official posing as a business partner.
Tawhedi was arrested after taking possession of two AK-47 rifles and ammunition he had ordered. He has been charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State, which the U.S. designates as a foreign terrorist organization. This charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Following his court appearance on Tuesday, Tawhedi was ordered detained.
Tawhedi entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in 2021, designed for Afghans who assisted Americans during their service. He has been on parole status while awaiting the conclusion of his immigration proceedings.
In response to the arrest, Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, urged the public not to blame the entire Afghan community for the actions of one individual, stating that many Afghans resettling in the U.S. are working to build new lives and contribute positively to society.
“These are the same individuals who stood shoulder to shoulder with us in Afghanistan for over two decades, defending the values we hold dear,” he said. “Now, they are our neighbors, and we must support them as they seek safety and stability in their new home.”
The investigation into Tawhedi’s activities continues as authorities remain vigilant against potential threats related to the upcoming elections.
SOURCE: AP News