Oklahoma Arrest of Afghan National for Alleged ISIS-Inspired Election Day Threat Spurs Refugee Vetting Debate

Handcuffs on an American flag.

An Afghan national living in Oklahoma faces charges for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack targeting Election Day, raising concerns about refugee vetting processes.

At a Glance

  • Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, arrested for plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on U.S. Election Day
  • Tawhedi entered the U.S. in 2021 on a Special Immigrant Visa, sparking vetting concerns
  • Plot involved acquiring firearms and potentially targeting large gatherings
  • FBI investigation revealed consumption of ISIS propaganda and financial support to ISIS-linked charities
  • If convicted, Tawhedi could face up to 35 years in prison

Afghan National Arrested in Oklahoma for ISIS-Inspired Plot

The FBI has arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, for allegedly planning a terrorist attack in support of ISIS on U.S. Election Day. Tawhedi, who entered the United States on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021, is charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as well as obtaining firearms and ammunition for the attack.

The arrest has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current refugee vetting procedures and the ongoing national security challenges related to refugee resettlement and immigration policies. Tawhedi’s case underscores the persistent threat of terrorism and the need for vigilant security measures.

Details of the Thwarted Plot

According to court documents, Tawhedi’s plot involved liquidating family assets, resettling family members overseas, and acquiring AK-47 rifles and ammunition. The FBI used a confidential human source and an undercover agent to interact with Tawhedi and his associates, uncovering disturbing details of the planned attack.

“Their ultimate aim was to stage a violent attack in the United States in the name of and on behalf of ISIS,” prosecutors wrote.

Investigators found that Tawhedi had viewed ISIS propaganda and contributed $540 in cryptocurrency to a charity in Syria linked to ISIS. He also allegedly searched for surveillance vulnerabilities in Washington, D.C., and sought areas with less restrictive gun laws.

FBI’s Role in Foiling the Attack

The FBI’s intervention was crucial in preventing the potential tragedy. Tawhedi and his brother-in-law received two AK-47 rifles shortly before their arrest, highlighting the imminent nature of the threat. During a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi admitted the weapons were intended for an Election Day attack targeting large gatherings, expecting to be martyred in the process.

“This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack, on Election Day, here on our homeland,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing terrorism threats faced by the United States, particularly in light of elevated threat levels exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. It also emphasizes the critical importance of robust immigration policies and thorough vetting procedures for individuals entering the country.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

Tawhedi now faces charges that could result in a maximum of 35 years in prison if convicted. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. As with all defendants, Tawhedi is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

“The Justice Department foiled the defendant’s plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons and commit a violent attack in the name of ISIS on U.S. soil on Election Day,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threats to our national security and the integrity of our electoral process. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and the importance of effective intelligence gathering and law enforcement efforts in safeguarding our nation against potential terrorist attacks.

Sources:

  1. Afghan national arrested for allegedly plotting ISIS-inspired Election Day terrorist attack
  2. Afghan man arrested in alleged US election day attack plot
  3. Afghan National Arrested for Plotting an Election Day Terrorist Attack in the Name of ISIS
  4. Afghan man charged over Election Day terrorist plot “in the name of ISIS”
  5. Afghan Man Arrested on Charges of Plotting Election Day Attack