FBI Arrests Afghan Man In Oklahoma For Alleged Election Day Terror Plot

We’re learning new details about the FBI's arrest of a man from Afghanistan living in Oklahoma City, accused of plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day.

Governor Kevin Stitt says state and federal agencies have been investigating this man since August. Here's how investigators tracked down the terrorism suspect.

Related: Lawmakers React To Arrest Of Afghanistan Citizen In Oklahoma Accused Of Planning Election Day Attack

The FBI says Nasir Tawhedi was planning an attack targeting large crowds on Election Day. He told investigators he and another suspect, who is a juvenile, expected to die as martyrs. The 27-year-old Tawhedi is charged with plotting a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS.

The FBI reports that Tawhedi and his 17-year-old brother-in-law, who lives in Moore, purchased AK-47s, 10 magazines, and 500 rounds of ammunition. Investigators say it's unclear what city they were targeting, but searches of Tawhedi's computer revealed Google searches for "how to access Washington D.C. cameras" and checking webcams showing the White House and Washington Monument.

Governor Stitt commended the efforts of state and federal agencies in thwarting any potential threat.

"The big point is I really want to complement the shared response and how we're using AI technology. We're bringing all of the information and sharing it across local, state, and federal agencies to really get these bad guys out of our state and out of our country," he said.

Investigators say Tawhedi exchanged messages in two pro-ISIS groups and shared propaganda online.

They also allege he funneled money to the terrorist organization. Tawhedi was able to enter the U.S. in 2021 on a special immigrant visa available to individuals who worked for U.S. forces in Afghanistan as translators.

Senator Markwayne Mullin emphasized that this case should not affect how Oklahomans view the hundreds of other Afghan refugees now living in the state.

"Please don’t judge all our Afghan national friends that are here inside Oklahoma based on this individual,” he said.

The teenager arrested alongside Tawhedi was a virtual student at Southmoore High School.

Tawhedi is due in federal court on October 17.