A 27-year-old Afghan man, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, has been arrested in Oklahoma City for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day in the name of the Islamic State (ISIS), the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Tuesday. Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. in 2021 on a special immigrant visa, was taken into custody along with an underage co-conspirator.
Alleged Terrorist Plot
According to the indictment, Tawhedi had been researching methods to carry out the attack, including online searches for information on how to access security cameras in Washington, D.C., and for states that did not require a license to purchase firearms. Tawhedi also visited the White House and Washington Monument webcameras, possibly as part of his preparations.
The arrest took place after Tawhedi and his co-conspirator met with FBI agents posing as arms dealers. They were reportedly attempting to purchase two AK-47 rifles and ammunition. During a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi admitted to planning an attack targeting large gatherings of people, with the intent of dying as martyrs.
U.S. Attorney General’s Statement
Following the arrest, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and its supporters. “We will continue to combat the ongoing threat that ISIS and its supporters pose to America’s national security, and we will identify, investigate, and prosecute the individuals who seek to terrorize the American people,” Garland said.
Heightened Security Concerns
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently warned of a heightened threat environment for the U.S., in part due to the 2024 election cycle and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In its homeland threat assessment released on October 2, DHS stated that “lone offenders and small groups continue to pose the greatest threat.” The report also noted that foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda remain intent on conducting or inspiring attacks within the U.S.
Background on ISIS
The Islamic State (ISIS) emerged as a militant organization known for its extreme interpretation of religion and brutal tactics. It executed and killed thousands before being territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019. Although the group’s control over territory has been significantly diminished, its ideology continues to inspire attacks around the globe.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the scope of Tawhedi’s alleged plot and his connections to any terrorist organizations.