An Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City has been charged with plotting an Election Day terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS, raising concerns about potential political violence as the 2024 election approaches. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, was arrested on October 7, 2024, and charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and acquiring firearms for a violent attack targeting large crowds. According to federal prosecutors, Tawhedi and his juvenile co-conspirator intended to die as martyrs during the attack.
The Plot and Arrest
Court documents reveal that Tawhedi planned the attack for November 5, Election Day, intending to cause mass casualties at large gatherings of people. Tawhedi allegedly communicated with ISIS operatives and consumed ISIS propaganda online, indicating his ideological alignment with the terrorist group. He reportedly attempted to liquidate family assets, including property and vehicles, in preparation for the attack, and arranged for his family to be resettled in Afghanistan.
The arrest took place after Tawhedi and his co-conspirator met with undercover FBI agents posing as gun sellers. The pair attempted to purchase AK-47 assault rifles, 10 magazines, and ammunition for the planned attack. Authorities confirmed that Tawhedi admitted his intention to die as a martyr when questioned after his arrest.
“Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people.” – FBI Director Christopher Wray
Ties to ISIS and Background
Tawhedi entered the United States on a Special Immigrant Visa in September 2021, shortly after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Prosecutors allege that he participated in pro-ISIS Telegram groups, donated to a charity linked to ISIS, and saved ISIS propaganda in his personal cloud storage. The FBI also discovered a video from July in which Tawhedi spoke to children about the rewards of martyrdom, reinforcing his commitment to carrying out an attack in the name of ISIS.
This case has reignited debates over the vetting process for Afghan refugees and the broader national security risks posed by ISIS-inspired lone actors. Tawhedi’s Special Immigrant Visa status raises questions about the Biden administration’s handling of Afghan resettlement following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Political Fallout
The arrest of Tawhedi has already prompted political responses, with Republicans criticizing the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Vice President Kamala Harris’s “open border policies” were responsible for allowing individuals like Tawhedi into the country, endangering American lives. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt praised the cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement for preventing the attack and vowed that “those who seek to harm our nation will be held accountable.”
| Date | Event |
| September 2021 | Tawhedi enters U.S. on Special Immigrant Visa |
| July 2024 | FBI surveillance begins, Tawhedi expresses martyrdom plans |
| October 7, 2024 | Tawhedi arrested after meeting with undercover FBI agents |
| November 5, 2024 (planned) | Election Day attack targeting large gatherings |
Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, also weighed in, calling the case a “stark reminder” that the U.S. continues to face serious threats from terrorist organizations. Lankford emphasized the importance of vigilance, particularly as tensions rise globally with conflicts in the Middle East.
ISIS Threat and National Security
The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISIS, both domestically and internationally. In recent years, ISIS has lost significant ground in Iraq and Syria but continues to inspire attacks globally through its online propaganda. In the U.S., the FBI remains focused on preventing homegrown terrorism inspired by ISIS and other extremist groups. According to the Department of Justice, Tawhedi is the latest in a series of ISIS-related arrests on U.S. soil, signaling that the group’s influence remains a serious concern.
Conclusion
As Election Day approaches, the thwarted attack underscores the challenges faced by U.S. law enforcement in combating terrorism. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi’s arrest is a sobering reminder that threats to national security persist, even as efforts to protect the homeland continue. With both political sides already seizing on the incident to bolster their respective arguments, the broader discussion of immigration, terrorism, and national security is sure to intensify in the coming weeks.
