The U.S. Department of Justice has filed charges against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan citizen living in Oklahoma City, for allegedly conspiring to conduct a terrorist attack on Election Day on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
According to the criminal complaint, Tawhedi is accused of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The complaint alleges that Tawhedi obtained firearms and ammunition with the intent to carry out a violent attack on U.S. soil in the name of ISIS.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “As charged, the Justice Department foiled the defendant’s plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons and commit a violent attack in the name of ISIS on U.S. soil on Election Day.” He emphasized the department’s commitment to combating threats posed by ISIS and its supporters.
FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the bureau’s role in uncovering and stopping the plot before anyone was harmed, reiterating that terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority.
The investigation revealed that Tawhedi had communicated with an ISIS-affiliated individual and accessed ISIS propaganda materials. He allegedly participated in pro-ISIS Telegram groups and contributed to a charity suspected of funnelling money to ISIS.
The complaint details Tawhedi’s actions leading up to the planned attack, including liquidating family assets and attempting to purchase firearms. On October 7, Tawhedi and a juvenile co-conspirator were arrested after purchasing two AK-47 assault rifles, magazines, and ammunition from FBI assets.
In a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi reportedly confirmed that the attack was planned for Election Day, targeting large gatherings of people.
Tawhedi faces charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and receiving a firearm to be used in a federal crime of terrorism, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
