The Justice Department announced charges against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national, for allegedly planning a terrorist attack in support of ISIS on U.S. Election Day. The FBI arrested Tawhedi in Oklahoma on Monday after he purchased rifles and ammunition from an undercover officer. He now faces multiple charges, including conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS.
Tawhedi, in collaboration with an unnamed juvenile, had planned to liquidate his assets, send his family back to Afghanistan, purchase assault rifles, and stage a violent attack in the U.S., according to court documents. The juvenile has also been arrested.
The indictment coincides with the Justice Department’s continued efforts to protect the 2024 presidential election from foreign threats. Tawhedi’s alleged plot, aimed at attacking large gatherings of people, was foiled just weeks before Election Day.
Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray praised the disruption of the plot, affirming that the Justice Department remains committed to investigating and prosecuting anyone attempting to terrorize Americans.
Tawhedi entered the United States in September 2021 and is currently on parole pending his immigration proceedings. He resides in Oklahoma City with his wife and child. Court documents reveal that Tawhedi searched online for information on firearms and visited security cameras of U.S. landmarks like the White House and Washington Monument.
Tawhedi allegedly began communicating with an ISIS recruiter on Telegram in August. Recovered messages show Tawhedi discussing firearms and plans to “prepare for Election Day.” Prosecutors also discovered ISIS propaganda on Tawhedi’s phone, along with donations made to groups funneling money to ISIS.
A disturbing video found on Tawhedi’s phone featured him telling his child about the rewards of martyrdom, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against him.