FBI arrests Afghan man accused of plotting deadly Election Day attack in US

FBI Director Christopher Wray, in a statement, emphasised the bureau's ongoing focus on countering terrorism threats.

An Afghan man has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly plotting a deadly attack targeting large crowds in the US on Election Day. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, was reportedly inspired by the Islamic State militant group, according to US officials.

Tawhedi, from Oklahoma City, had been preparing his attack for weeks, authorities said. He had planned to strike next month on Election Day, with the intent of dying as a martyr alongside a co-conspirator. The Justice Department revealed these details in court documents on Tuesday.

Arriving in the US in September 2021, Tawhedi took several steps recently to advance his plans. He ordered AK-47 rifles, sold off his family's assets, and bought one-way tickets for his wife and child to return to Afghanistan, officials said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, in a statement, emphasised the bureau's ongoing focus on countering terrorism threats. "Terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority. We will use every resource to protect the public," he said on Tuesday.

The court documents indicate the FBI had been monitoring Tawhedi for months. He allegedly consumed Islamic State propaganda and contributed to a charity linked to the militant group. He also had connections to an individual previously involved in extremist recruitment and had viewed live footage of US landmarks in July.

Tawhedi’s alleged accomplice, described only as a juvenile and fellow Afghan national, remains unidentified. Officials say the two men advertised their property for sale on Facebook, which attracted an FBI informant. This led to the informant establishing a relationship with the men, eventually leading to a gun range visit, where they ordered weapons from an undercover FBI officer.

The FBI arrested Tawhedi on Monday after he took possession of two AK-47 rifles. The co-conspirator, who is also Tawhedi’s brother-in-law, was also detained but his details were not disclosed due to his age.

Tawhedi faces charges of conspiring and attempting to support a foreign terrorist organisation, specifically the Islamic State. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

He made a court appearance on Tuesday, where he was ordered to remain in custody. It is unclear if he has legal representation, as attempts to reach his attorney were unsuccessful.

A modest home in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, linked to Tawhedi’s family, now stands with a for-sale sign. A woman, identified as Tawhedi’s wife, declined to discuss the case, stating, “We don’t want to talk to the media.”

Tawhedi entered the US under a special immigrant visa program, which allows Afghans who worked alongside US forces or embassies to resettle. This program saw a significant increase in applications following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, a coalition supporting Afghan refugees, urged caution in the wake of Tawhedi's arrest. "We must not blame an entire community for one individual’s actions," he said. "Thousands of Afghans are contributing to our shared future and deserve support."

He highlighted that these individuals "stood with us for over two decades, defending the values we cherish. They are our neighbours now, seeking safety and stability."

The FBI remains committed to safeguarding the country from extremist threats, with vigilance continuing to grow amidst rising concerns.