FBI Arrests Afghan Man Living In OKC; Officials Say He Planned Election Day Attack In The US

The FBI arrested a man from Afghanistan, living in Oklahoma City who was allegedly planning an Election Day terrorist attack in the U.S.

Federal prosecutors charged Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi with planning the attack in support of ISIS. He was arrested Monday in Oklahoma City, and the Justice Department said he was making his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday.

According to a federal criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday, Tawhedi and unnamed co-conspirators were followers of ISIS and took steps to carry out their attack in the U.S., including selling the family home, working to relocate family abroad and purchasing ammunition. 

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

Twenty-seven-year-old Tawhedi traveled to the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in 2021, the criminal complaint says. Electronic records accessed by the FBI showed Tawhedi allegedly viewed ISIS propaganda and contributed to a charity that "fronts for and funnels money to ISIS."  

Federal investigators allege Tawhedi searched for access to surveillance and security cameras in Washington, D.C., and checked webcams showing the White House and Washington Monument in late July. They also believe Tawhedi was seeking out places in which gun laws were more lax. 

U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) issued the following statement after it was reported that an individual was arrested in Oklahoma for plotting a terrorist attack:

“The charges brought against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi in Oklahoma for plotting an Election Day terrorist attack on US soil is a stark reminder that our nation continues to face threats from those who hate our freedom and want to do us harm. I’m grateful to the FBI, especially the Oklahoma FBI Field Office, and our local law enforcement agencies for their vigilance and dedication to protect our communities. Their swift action prevented what could have been a devastating attack.

 “Tawhedi is Afghan refugee with ties to ISIS. With the escalating conflict in Israel and across the Middle East, we must remain vigilant against terrorism here at home. Oklahomans know well that many of the Afghan refugees in our communities fought side by side with American troops against the terrorism that attacked our nation on 9/11 and destroyed the nation of Afghanistan. 

“I have been in direct contact with the FBI about this case for a while and I will remain engaged as Tawhedi is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I will continue to work closely with Federal prosecutors to ensure we are taking every step necessary to keep Americans safe.”