A Daring Attack: The Election Day Terrorist Threat

Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi’s case is a striking example of how individuals entering the United States legally can, over time, become radicalized and pose significant security threats. Tawhedi, an Afghan national, arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program after passing initial vetting and receiving approval for entry due to his work as a CIA security guard in Afghanistan.

The U.S. government established the SIV program to protect those who had worked closely with its agencies, and, as part of this broader humanitarian effort, Tawhedi entered the country legally. However, Tawhedi’s story took a dark turn after his arrival in the U.S. when he became radicalized, aligning himself with the ideology of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

How Did He Enter The U.S.

Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi entered the United States legally in 2021, following the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The U.S. granted him entry along with many other Afghans under the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. This program specifically aimed to assist Afghan nationals who had worked with or on behalf of the U.S. government, offering them the opportunity to relocate to the United States due to the increased risk of retaliation from the Taliban and other extremist groups following the U.S. withdrawal. Tawhedi’s background, including his reported work as a security guard for the CIA in Afghanistan, likely made him eligible for this visa.

He Went Through A Vetting Process

His entry into the U.S. went through the standard vetting processes that are required for the issuance of an SIV. Despite this, Tawhedi managed to pass through the necessary security screenings without raising any immediate red flags. At the time of his arrival, there were no indications of any extremist affiliations or radical ideologies that would have triggered additional scrutiny. This underscores the challenges that security agencies face in vetting large numbers of individuals in a short period, particularly in the context of a rapid evacuation like the one that took place during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He Was Radicalized After He Was Here

Once in the U.S., Tawhedi settled in Oklahoma City, where he began building a life with his family. However, it appears that at some point after his arrival, he became radicalized, eventually aligning himself with ISIS ideology. Over time, this shift likely developed as his online interactions, particularly on social media and encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram, connected him with individuals who actively facilitated his radicalization. Despite his legal entry into the country, Tawhedi’s case highlights the difficulty of detecting radicalization in individuals who initially present no signs of extremist intent.

Tawhedi’s legal entry through the SIV program, combined with his later radicalization, raises broader questions about the ongoing challenges of monitoring and identifying individuals who may pose a security threat after they have already entered the U.S. legally.

What Was His Planned Attack

Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi’s plan of attack was a meticulously thought-out and dangerous plot inspired by the ideology of the Islamic State (ISIS). His primary target was large gatherings of people on U.S. Election Day, scheduled for November 2024, a day of heightened political significance and symbolic of the U.S. democratic process. Tawhedi’s plot involved carrying out a mass shooting using high-powered firearms, specifically AK-47 assault rifles, with the intention of causing widespread casualties and terror among the American public. His goal, like many inspired by ISIS, was not only to inflict physical harm but also to create a ripple of fear and chaos across the country on one of its most pivotal days.

Planned To Die A Martyr

Tawhedi’s plan to die as a martyr was central to his attack strategy. He and his juvenile co-conspirator, who was later revealed to be his wife’s younger brother, had prepared to sacrifice themselves in the process of the attack, fully expecting to be killed during the violent assault. This level of commitment to the ISIS cause reflects the deep level of radicalization that Tawhedi had undergone after arriving in the U.S. His communications with ISIS-affiliated individuals, such as those with a person using the alias “Abdul Malik” on Telegram, revealed that Tawhedi was actively preparing for the attack, liquidating his family’s assets to fund the purchase of firearms and ammunition. He had already sold his house and had sent his wife and child back to Afghanistan to remove them from harm’s way before the attack.

Checked Out Potential Areas

To execute the attack, Tawhedi had scoped out potential locations where large crowds would gather on Election Day. He had planned to use the AK-47 rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition he acquired through a sting operation set up by the FBI. This transaction provided federal authorities with concrete evidence of his intent to carry out the attack, and the moment he took possession of the firearms, he was arrested. The plan’s deadly nature, combined with Tawhedi’s preparation to die during the assault, highlighted the imminent danger he posed, making his capture and arrest a critical intervention that likely saved numerous lives. His plot reflected the broader tactics used by ISIS-inspired attackers globally, aimed at maximizing fear and disruption.

The Investigation Into Nasir

The investigation into Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who is accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on U.S. Election Day, was a comprehensive and multi-faceted operation carried out over several months by the FBI and other federal agencies. It began in June 2024 when Tawhedi’s suspicious activities first came under the radar of federal authorities. Investigators focused closely on monitoring his digital communications, especially messages exchanged on encrypted platforms like Telegram, where Tawhedi connected with individuals believed to be affiliated with ISIS. One key contact, using the alias “Abdul Malik,” reportedly played a central role in recruiting and guiding Tawhedi in his terrorist ambitions.

They Used Undercover Agents And Informants

A significant element of the investigation was the use of undercover agents and informants. The FBI staged a sting operation where Tawhedi and his juvenile co-conspirator met with undercover federal agents to purchase the firearms needed for the attack. During this meeting, which took place in a rural location in Oklahoma, Tawhedi took possession of the weapons, sealing the case for the FBI. Upon receiving the rifles and ammunition, he and his co-conspirator were arrested by federal authorities.

The Evidence That Was Gathered

The evidence collected in the investigation of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi is a testament to the meticulous and strategic efforts of the FBI and federal prosecutors in preventing a potentially catastrophic terrorist attack.

Most Of It Was Digital Evidence

A significant portion of the evidence stemmed from digital surveillance, as federal agents monitored Tawhedi’s communications on encrypted platforms such as Telegram. Tawhedi’s conversations with an individual using the alias “Abdul Malik” were particularly crucial, as they revealed the detailed planning of the Election Day attack. These communications included references to the sale of Tawhedi’s family home, which was intended to fund the purchase of weapons and other resources necessary for the attack. His messages also contained explicit discussions of his intent to carry out the attack on Election Day and the steps he was taking to prepare.

The FBI Collected Photos And Posts

In addition to the digital communications, social media activity played a critical role in building the case against Tawhedi. The FBI collected photographs and posts from his social media accounts, which reflected his growing radicalization and commitment to ISIS ideology. His posts included images that supported the extremist cause and discussions of martyrdom, which aligned with his planned suicide mission during the attack. The FBI also discovered ISIS propaganda stored in Tawhedi’s online accounts, further solidifying his ideological ties to the terrorist group.

Weapons Were Sold And Documented

Another pivotal piece of evidence came from the undercover operation orchestrated by the FBI. During the investigation, federal agents posed as arms dealers and arranged a meeting with Tawhedi and his juvenile co-conspirator at a rural location in Oklahoma. There, Tawhedi took possession of AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition—key materials for the attack. This transaction, which was meticulously documented, provided law enforcement with concrete evidence of Tawhedi’s intention to carry out a violent attack.

Financial Documents

Additionally, court documents outlined chilling details, such as text conversations and financial transactions, which demonstrated Tawhedi’s preparation for the attack. These documents revealed that he had liquidated assets and relocated his family, indicating that he was preparing for the final stages of the attack and had no intention of returning. Federal authorities thoroughly gathered digital, social, and physical evidence, which allowed them to build a strong case and ensure they arrested Tawhedi and his co-conspirator before they could execute their plan.

How They Arrested Him

The arrest of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi was the culmination of months of detailed investigation and careful planning by the FBI and federal authorities. The FBI had been monitoring Tawhedi’s movements and communications since mid-2024, gradually piecing together evidence of his intent to carry out an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on U.S. soil. As Tawhedi’s plans for an Election Day attack solidified, federal agents decided to intervene before he could obtain the weapons necessary to carry out the plot.

They Set Up A Sting Operation

The key to his arrest was a sting operation set up by the FBI. Using intelligence gathered from Tawhedi’s digital communications, particularly his conversations on Telegram, the FBI agents posed as arms dealers willing to sell him the firearms and ammunition he needed. This tactic allowed law enforcement to directly engage with Tawhedi, gaining further insight into his plans and intentions. By this point, Tawhedi had already sold his family’s home, liquidated assets, and had begun making arrangements for his family to leave the country, signaling that he was in the final stages of preparing for the attack.

As soon as Tawhedi and his co-conspirator took control of the firearms, the FBI moved in to arrest them on-site. Agents executed the operation swiftly and safely, ensuring no harm came to the public or those involved. They immediately took Tawhedi and the juvenile into custody, charging them with providing material support to a terrorist organization and receiving firearms to commit a federal crime of terrorism. The swift action by law enforcement effectively neutralized the threat Tawhedi posed, preventing what could have been a devastating attack on U.S. Election Day. The success of this operation highlights the importance of undercover operations and careful, strategic planning in counterterrorism efforts.

What Is He Being Charged With

Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi is facing serious federal charges related to terrorism, specifically for his involvement in plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on U.S. soil.

The charges against him include providing, attempting to provide, and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. This statute prohibits individuals from offering material support—such as financial resources, weapons, or any form of assistance—to foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS, which the U.S. government designates as threats to national security.

Knowingly Receiving, Conspiring And Attempting To Receive Firearms

In Tawhedi’s case, his activities included planning a large-scale terrorist attack on Election Day, purchasing weapons, and engaging in communications with individuals affiliated with ISIS. Authorities also charged him with knowingly receiving, conspiring to receive, and attempting to receive firearms and ammunition intended for use in committing a federal crime of terrorism. This charge directly ties his acquisition of AK-47 rifles and ammunition to his intent to carry out a violent attack, further elevating the seriousness of the case.

These Charges Can Lead To Prison Time

The consequences of these charges are severe. If convicted, Tawhedi faces significant prison time. The charge of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, reflecting the gravity of supporting a group like ISIS. Additionally, the charge related to receiving firearms for use in a terrorist act carries a potential 15-year prison sentence. The court can compound these sentences if it proves multiple counts or considers aggravating factors, such as the plot’s premeditated nature and the intent to target large groups of civilians.

He May Face Deportation After Serving His Time

Beyond the lengthy prison sentences, Tawhedi’s conviction would likely result in his permanent removal from the U.S. upon completion of his sentence, as individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses are subject to deportation. Moreover, his case will likely serve as a high-profile example of the U.S. government’s continued efforts to counter domestic terrorism and prevent attacks inspired by foreign extremist groups like ISIS. The prosecution of Tawhedi underscores the significant legal consequences for those who engage in or support terrorist activities, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to protecting public safety and national security.

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