OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma — Authorities have arrested a 27-year-old Afghan man, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, accused of orchestrating a terrorist attack in the United States on the upcoming election day, according to the Justice Department. Tawhedi, alleged to have ties to the Islamic State group, was apprehended on Monday and is charged with attempting to provide material support to the militant organization.
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the coordinated efforts of law enforcement thwarted Tawhedi’s plans, which reportedly included purchasing semi-automatic weapons to execute a violent act under the banner of IS on U.S. soil, coinciding with the national polls on November 5.
The Justice Department released details indicating that Tawhedi took concrete steps toward executing his plan, including liquidating his family’s assets and preparing to move his family members abroad. Furthermore, his alleged preparation involved attempts to acquire military-grade weapons, specifically AK-47 assault rifles, along with substantial ammunition.
Investigations revealed that Tawhedi had collaborated with another Afghan national, his brother-in-law, who is a minor and remains unnamed due to his age. Their apparent intent was to collectively carry out the proposed attack.
Documents point to Tawhedi’s arrival in the United States on a special immigrant visa dated September 9, 2021. The case took a significant turn when Tawhedi purportedly advertised the sale of personal property on social media, which drew the attention of an FBI confidential human source. The source feigned interest in purchasing a computer for a gun business, subsequently engaging Tawhedi in discussions that led to him expressing a desire to buy two AK-47 rifles and the necessary ammunition.
The culmination of this undercover operation occurred on Monday when Tawhedi and the juvenile met with FBI agents disguised as sellers in a secluded area in Oklahoma. Upon executing the transaction, which involved the sale of two AK-47s, ten magazines, and 500 rounds of ammunition, law enforcement officials immediately detained both individuals.
This arrest underscores ongoing concerns about the potential for domestic attacks inspired by foreign terrorist ideologies. It also highlights the vigilance of U.S. counterterrorism efforts, particularly as the nation approaches a significant electoral event.
The broader implications of such attempts on public safety and national security remind the authorities and the public of the persistent threats and the need for continued cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement to preemptively address these dangers.
As the legal process unfolds, the case against Tawhedi will likely offer insights into the methods and motivations of individuals inspired by extremist groups and the effectiveness of current strategies to counter such threats. Meanwhile, community leaders and experts advocate for increased awareness and preventive measures to safeguard against similar plots, stressing the importance of community engagement alongside law enforcement initiatives.