Image Source : APISIS-inspired Afghan man Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi (R) and FBI documents (L)
Washington, October 9, 2024 – The FBI has arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan man residing in Oklahoma City, for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack targeting large crowds on Election Day next month. Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. in 2021 on a special immigrant visa, had reportedly planned to carry out the attack with a juvenile co-conspirator, aiming to die as a martyr.
According to the FBI, Tawhedi had taken significant steps in recent weeks to advance his plot. This included purchasing AK-47 rifles, liquidating his family’s assets, and buying one-way tickets for his wife and child to return to Afghanistan. The FBI’s investigation revealed that Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, who remains unidentified due to his juvenile status, were committed to carrying out the attack in the name of the Islamic State (ISIS).
Terror Plot Uncovered
Although the exact moment Tawhedi came onto the FBI’s radar is unclear, investigators point to months of suspicious activity. In July, a photograph emerged showing Tawhedi reading martyrdom literature to his daughter and another child. FBI reports also highlight that he consumed ISIS propaganda, contributed to a charity linked to the militant group, and communicated with individuals involved in extremism recruitment. He had also been monitoring webcams of high-profile locations like the White House and Washington Monument.
The FBI enlisted an informant in September after Tawhedi advertised personal property for sale on Facebook. The informant helped establish a relationship with Tawhedi, later inviting him to a gun range where he placed an order for weapons from an undercover FBI agent posing as a business partner. Tawhedi was arrested on Monday after taking possession of two AK-47 rifles and ammunition.
The Charges
Following his arrest, Tawhedi admitted to planning the attack for Election Day, hoping to target large gatherings. He has been charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a charge that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
“Terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray in a statement.
Background and Parole Status
Tawhedi entered the U.S. in September 2021 on a special immigrant visa designed for Afghans who supported the U.S. military and embassy operations. His parole status is pending the conclusion of his immigration proceedings, a common status for many Afghans who fled the country after the U.S.’s chaotic withdrawal in August 2021.
The FBI continues to investigate Tawhedi’s activities, while his juvenile co-conspirator, who is reportedly his brother-in-law, remains in custody.
A modest brick home in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City, where Tawhedi’s family lived, had a “for sale” sign in the yard. His wife declined to comment on the case, telling reporters, “We don’t want to talk to the media.”
Ongoing Threats
This case underscores the continuing risks posed by homegrown radicalization and the influence of extremist ideologies, even among individuals who entered the U.S. under special visa programs. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in preventing terror attacks on American soil, particularly as Election Day approaches.