Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan refugee, was arrested in Oklahoma City for allegedly plotting a terror attack on Election Day in support of ISIS. Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. shortly after the U.S. military’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, previously worked as a security guard for the CIA in Afghanistan. However, officials clarified that he was not an informant and had minimal interaction with American personnel.
Tawhedi arrived in the U.S. through a humanitarian parole program, bypassing the more rigorous screening process required for those on Special Immigrant Visas (SIV). Although he had applied for an SIV, his visa was never granted, and he remained on parole status while his immigration case was pending. Reports indicate that he had no known ties to ISIS when he entered the U.S., but it is unclear whether he became radicalized before or after his arrival.
In the months leading up to his arrest, Tawhedi allegedly ordered AK-47 rifles and liquidated family assets, purchasing one-way tickets to Afghanistan for his wife and child. He reportedly planned to die as a martyr alongside a juvenile accomplice—his brother-in-law, who also faced charges. Authorities believe the two intended to stage a violent attack on Election Day, targeting large gatherings.
Court records revealed that Tawhedi had been actively engaging with ISIS propaganda and contributed funds to a charity linked to the terrorist group. Additionally, federal investigators allege that Tawhedi was exploring potential attack sites, including locations in Washington, D.C., with laxer gun laws.
Tawhedi was apprehended after purchasing rifles and ammunition just days before his planned attack. FBI Director Christopher Wray commended the agency’s efforts in thwarting the plot, while Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and its supporters.
Tawhedi remains in custody, pending further legal proceedings. If convicted, he will likely face deportation as a national security threat. His case has raised concerns about the vetting of Afghan refugees who entered the U.S. under expedited programs following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
