Arrest of Nasir Tawhedi in Oklahoma
The FBI has successfully thwarted an alleged Election Day terror plot by Nasir Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma. The Justice Department announced the arrest, revealing that Tawhedi had been planning to commit an ISIS-inspired attack aimed at killing Americans on Election Day.
Tawhedi’s Alleged Plan to Acquire Firearms
According to federal authorities, Tawhedi sought to obtain semiautomatic firearms and ammunition as part of his plot. He allegedly liquidated his family’s assets, sold his home for $185,000, and began resettling his family overseas in preparation for the attack. Charging documents also reference a juvenile co-conspirator, another Afghan national with legal permanent resident status, who also resides in Oklahoma.
Investigation and Evidence
Ideological Alignment with ISIS
The FBI’s investigation uncovered significant evidence linking Tawhedi to ISIS ideology. Images, social media posts, and text messages from Tawhedi’s devices displayed his support for ISIS. Investigators also tracked his financial activity, revealing donations to a charity allegedly funneling funds to ISIS.
Communications and Planning
The charging documents cite various messages that Tawhedi allegedly sent over encrypted messaging apps like Telegram. In one message, he discussed acquiring AK-47 rifles and ordering 500 bullets for the planned Election Day attack. Tawhedi further explored ways to bypass firearms regulations in the U.S. by conducting Google searches such as “Which US state does not require relations to get a firearm?” and “How to access Washington DC cameras.”
Sting Operation and Arrest
FBI’s Sting Operation
Several FBI confidential informants initiated contact with Tawhedi to orchestrate a sham gun deal. Tawhedi, along with his juvenile co-conspirator, attempted to purchase AK-47s during the operation, leading to their arrest on Monday.
Confession of Election Day Attack Plot
Following his arrest, Tawhedi reportedly confessed to investigators that he intended to carry out a large-scale attack on Election Day, targeting large gatherings of people. Tawhedi and his co-conspirator expressed their expectation to be “martyred” during the attack.
Legal and Security Implications
Threat to National Security
The arrest of Nasir Tawhedi underscores the ongoing threat posed by domestic terrorism and foreign-inspired terror plots. Federal authorities have commended the FBI’s proactive measures in stopping the attack before it could take place.
Legal Proceedings
Tawhedi now faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS), attempted use of firearms for terrorism, and plotting an attack on U.S. soil. Legal proceedings will be closely monitored as the case develops.