FBI Foils Election Day Terror Plot, Arrests Afghan National Inspired by ISIS

The FBI has thwarted a terrorist attack planned for Election Day, arresting an Afghan national who conspired to carry out a violent assault on behalf of ISIS, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.

Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, of Oklahoma City, was taken into custody Monday after purchasing weapons and ammunition from undercover agents. According to officials, Tawhedi and a juvenile co-conspirator intended to target large crowds on Election Day, although specific locations and targets were not disclosed.

Tawhedi, who entered the US in 2021 on a special immigrant visa, had been in communication with ISIS fighters through chat apps and contributed to a fake charity supporting the terrorist organization. Investigators discovered his plans after a Facebook post advertising personal belongings for sale raised suspicions.

On Monday, Tawhedi and the juvenile met with undercover agents in rural Oklahoma to purchase two AK-47 assault rifles, 10 magazines, and 500 rounds of ammunition. Upon taking receipt of the weapons, they were arrested.

Prosecutors allege that Tawhedi's ultimate goal was to stage a violent attack in the US on behalf of ISIS. He has been charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years, and receiving a firearm to commit a felony or federal crime of terrorism, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the FBI's efforts, stating, “The Justice Department foiled the defendant's plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons and commit a violent attack in the name of ISIS on US soil on Election Day.”

FBI Director Christopher Wray added, "Terrorism is still the FBI's number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people." No information about the juvenile co-conspirator was released.