Summary
U.S. Senator James Lankford addressed the Afghan community in Oklahoma following the arrest of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who was charged with plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day. Lankford emphasized that Tawhedi’s actions do not reflect the Afghan community as a whole, highlighting the contributions of many Afghans who have fought against terrorism.
In the wake of Tawhedi’s arrest, which involved plans to carry out a violent attack in the name of ISIS, Lankford expressed gratitude for the efforts of law enforcement in thwarting the plot. He noted that Tawhedi’s alleged connections to ISIS and his actions should not tarnish the reputation of the broader Afghan community, many of whom are refugees seeking safety after fighting against terrorism in their own country. Lankford reiterated the importance of distinguishing between individuals and communities, urging Oklahomans to recognize the bravery and resilience of Afghan refugees.
Context of the Arrest
Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan citizen, attempted to liquidate his family’s assets to fund the purchase of firearms for the planned attack. He allegedly communicated with an underage co-conspirator, who is his wife’s younger brother, and used social media to coordinate his efforts. The FBI’s investigation revealed a digital trail of communications with ISIS, including plans for the attack and discussions about financing it.
Community Reactions
Lankford’s remarks came during a memorial event for victims of a recent terrorist attack in Israel, underlining the ongoing global threat of terrorism. He acknowledged the emotional toll such incidents have on communities and stressed the importance of unity in the face of fear. By focusing on the positive contributions of Afghan refugees, Lankford aimed to foster a sense of community resilience and understanding amidst the troubling news of Tawhedi’s actions.
Lawmaker: Months of work went into foiling Election Day terrorist attack plan
Oct. 9 / Kcra / Focuses on Lankford's statements and community impact, effectively conveying the emotional context of the situation while underscoring the contributions of Afghan refugees in Oklahoma. “ OKLAHOMA CITY — A 27-year-old Afghanistan citizen living in Oklahoma City faces charges after he allegedly conspired to conduct a terrorist attack on behalf...
Afghan citizen accused of plotting election day terrorist attack in U.S.
Oct. 9 / Raw Story / Highlights the detailed investigation behind Tawhedi's arrest, providing insight into the FBI's methods and emphasizing the importance of distinguishing individual actions from community identity. “ An Afghanistan citizen living in Oklahoma City was charged Tuesday with plotting a terrorist attack for Election Day, local KOCO news reported citing a...