DOJ: Election Day terrorist plot foiled, Afghan national arrested

The Justice Department has announced the arrest of an Afghan national accused of conspiring to conduct a terrorist attack on Election Day in the United States on behalf of the Islamic State. The DOJ said the arrest was made on Oct. 7.

According to the criminal complaint, Nasir Tawhedi, 27, was living in Oklahoma while trying to obtain semiautomatic weapons and ammunition to carry out a violent attack. Authorities said Tawhedi entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in 2021. 

The FBI uncovered the alleged plot, which saw Tawhedi taking steps to liquidate his family’s assets and resettle some of his family members back in Afghanistan. The DOJ also mentioned a co-conspirator in the plot, who is an Afghanistan citizen with legal permanent resident status — but also a juvenile. 

According to the criminal complaint, on Oct. 7, Tawhedi and the juvenile met with the FBI agents in Oklahoma and “purchased, received, and took possession of two AK-47 assault rifles, ten magazines, and 500 rounds of ammunition.” Upon receipt of the rifles and ammunition, the complaint said, Tawhedi and the juvenile were arrested.

During a post-arrest interview, the Justice Department says Tawhedi confirmed the planned attack would target large gatherings of people on Election Day. He faces multiple charges and decades in prison if convicted.