An Afghan man named Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, was arrested by the FBI for planning an attack in the U.S. on Election Day. He was inspired by the Islamic State militant organization and intended to target large crowds. Tawhedi, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021, shared his plans with a co-conspirator and both expected to die as martyrs. To prepare for the attack, Tawhedi ordered AK-47 rifles, liquidated his family’s assets, and bought one-way tickets for his wife and child to return to Afghanistan.
The FBI became aware of Tawhedi’s plans and arrested him after he took possession of the weapons. His alleged co-conspirator, described as a juvenile and the brother of Tawhedi’s wife, was also taken into custody. Tawhedi was charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Tawhedi came to the U.S. on a special immigrant visa, a program that allows Afghans who helped Americans during the war to enter the country with their families. This program saw a surge in applicants following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.
The FBI is on high alert for potential extremist violence in the U.S., with Director Christopher Wray emphasizing that terrorism remains the agency’s top priority. Tawhedi’s case highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals radicalized by extremist ideologies and the importance of vigilance in preventing such attacks.
The arrest of Tawhedi serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in identifying and thwarting terrorist plots. It also underscores the need for continued efforts to combat radicalization and extremism, both domestically and internationally.
The swift action taken by the FBI in apprehending Tawhedi and his co-conspirator underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the American people from threats posed by extremist individuals. The case also highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious activities that could potentially lead to violence.
As the investigation into Tawhedi’s plans continues, law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant in monitoring and disrupting any potential threats to national security. The collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities is crucial in addressing the evolving threat landscape and ensuring the safety and security of the American public.
