Summary
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national living in Oklahoma, has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day, November 5, 2024, on behalf of the Islamic State (ISIS). Tawhedi allegedly conspired to target large gatherings and stockpiled weapons, including AK-47 rifles, in preparation for the attack.
Tawhedi entered the United States on a Special Immigrant Visa shortly after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in September 2021. He was previously employed as a security guard for the CIA in Afghanistan, which granted him eligibility for resettlement in the U.S. However, his subsequent radicalization appears to have occurred after his arrival in the country. Federal prosecutors allege that Tawhedi took significant steps to execute his plan, including liquidating family assets and communicating with an ISIS recruiter. His arrest has raised concerns about the vetting process for Afghan refugees, highlighting a broader debate over national security and immigration policies following the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan.
Background and Arrest
Tawhedi was arrested on October 7, 2024, after meeting with an FBI informant to purchase firearms. Court documents reveal that he had been planning the attack for several months, with intentions to die as a martyr alongside a juvenile co-conspirator. Following his arrest, he reportedly expressed that the attack was intended to coincide with the U.S. elections, targeting large crowds.
Legal Proceedings
Tawhedi faces multiple charges, including conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization and receiving firearms for use in a federal crime of terrorism. If convicted, he could face significant prison time, with maximum sentences totaling 55 years. The case has drawn attention from lawmakers who are questioning the adequacy of the vetting process for Afghan migrants, especially in light of Tawhedi’s prior association with the CIA and the subsequent alleged radicalization that led to his plot.
Grand jury indicts Afghan national in OKC federal court over alleged Election Day plot
Nov. 7 / Yahoo! News / Focuses on the grand jury indictment and legal ramifications for Tawhedi, detailing the specific charges he faces. The inclusion of Tawhedi's background enhances understanding of the case's complexity. “ The Afghan national accused of an Election Day terrorism plot now faces three felonies that have a total maximum punishment of 55 years in federal prison. A...
Prosecutors decline to charge U.S. Park Police officer who fatally shot teen
Nov. 8 / The Washington Post / Reports on the FBI's actions and the broader implications of Tawhedi's case for national security. The focus on his background as a CIA employee raises critical questions about vetting processes. “ At the time body camera video was released, the U.S. attorney’s office in D.C. issued a statement calling the footage “extremely upsetting.”
US Election Uncertainty Weighs on Global Markets, Asia Rallies
Nov. 5 / Newsweek / Highlights the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings against Tawhedi, offering insights into the implications for immigration policy. The focus on government accountability adds depth to the discussion. “ World stock markets were mixed on Tuesday as investors braced for a week packed with pivotal events, most crucially the U.S. presidential election and a...
Is the post office closed on Election Day? What will be open, closed Tuesday
Nov. 4 / Wfaa / Provides a detailed account of Tawhedi's arrest and the charges against him, emphasizing the legal ramifications. The inclusion of the timeline of events adds clarity to the unfolding situation. “ WASHINGTON — Tens of millions of votes have already been cast in the run-up to Election Day , with millions more expected to head to the polls on Tuesday,...
Election Day is almost here. Here are key races to watch across the D.C. region.
Nov. 4 / The Washington Post / Details Tawhedi's alleged plans and motivations, linking them to the broader context of political violence concerns. The article effectively highlights the potential for similar threats during elections. “ Here is an overview of some of the more noteworthy races in the DMV.
Oct. 25 / Dailycaller / Focuses on Jim Jordan's demand for information from government agencies regarding Tawhedi. The article underscores the ongoing scrutiny of immigration policy and the implications for national security. “ House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan sent letters Tuesday to the State Department and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding information about the...
Relative of Afghan accused in US election terror plot nabbed in France for similar scheme
Oct. 14 / New York Post / Examines Tawhedi's actions and intentions, providing specific examples of his radicalization. The depth of detail enhances understanding of the seriousness of the threat he posed. “ A family member of an Afghan arrested in Oklahoma last week for allegedly plotting an Election Day terror attack reportedly has been apprehended in France on...
FBI arrests man in Oklahoma, alleges he conspired with ISIS to plan Election Day attack
Oct. 9 / Baltimore Sun / Discusses Tawhedi's background and the circumstances of his entry to the U.S., but lacks clarity on the vetting process. The mention of his radicalization after arrival is a critical point of interest. “ A 27-year-old man living in Oklahoma has been arrested for allegedly conspiring to conduct a terrorist attack in the U.S. on Election Day, according to the...
FBI arrests Afghan man in Oklahoma for allegedly plotting election day attack
Oct. 9 / The Guardian / Examines the arrest and charges against Tawhedi, providing a clear narrative on the events leading up to the attack. The emphasis on the FBI's role in thwarting the plot is notable and reassuring. “ Officials say Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, had purchased AK-57 rifles in scheme to target large crowds on 5 November
Afghan national living in the U.S. charged with allegedly plotting an Election Day terrorist attack
Oct. 8 / Nbc News / Provides a comprehensive overview of Tawhedi's charges and alleged plans, including details on his radicalization and intentions. The emphasis on national security concerns is particularly relevant. “ An Afghan national living in Oklahoma was charged this week with conspiring to carry out a terrorist attack on Election Day on behalf of the Islamic State...
Afghan national was planning ISIS-inspired attack on Election Day, federal prosecutors say
Oct. 8 / Independent / Details Tawhedi's alleged planning and motivations, emphasizing his connection to ISIS. The report effectively contextualizes the threat within the larger framework of terrorism in the U.S. “ Federal prosecutors have accused a 27-year-old Afghan citizen of conspiring with ISIS and stockpiling weapons to launch an Election Day attack in the US....
Israelis, Palestinians mark year of Gaza war
Oct. 12 / The Daily Progress / Offers a concise account of Tawhedi's arrest and the charges he faces, but lacks depth regarding the implications for national security. It serves as a straightforward summary without extensive analysis. “ Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of rockets into Israel on Monday as mourners marked the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack. The fighting on the...
Afghan refugee charged with plotting US Election Day massacre worked for CIA: report
Oct. 10 / New York Post / Connects Tawhedi's case to broader issues of vetting Afghan refugees, raising important security concerns. The article's focus on the familial ties to another suspect adds an intriguing layer. “ An Afghan national accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired Election Day terror attack on US democracy worked for the CIA in Afghanistan, according to a new...
Afghan man charged with Election Day terror plot screened multiple times, worked CIA security job
Oct. 11 / Fox News / Highlights the complex background of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, including his CIA employment and subsequent radicalization. The article's focus on the vetting process raises critical national security concerns. “ Former DHS senior adviser Charles Marino argues the Biden administration's policies 'defy common sense' and go against best practices for securing the...
Afghan Migrant Charged With Election Day Plot Is Said to Have Worked for CIA
Oct. 10 / Newsweek / Focuses on the legal aspects of Tawhedi's case and the potential sentences he faces. The article provides a comprehensive overview but could benefit from deeper exploration of the implications for national security. “ An Afghan national was working as a security guard for the before coming to the United States on a special visa, News reported Thursday. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi,...