An Afghan citizen, who was released into the U.S. less than 10 days after the deadly withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the Biden-Harris administration, has been arrested for planning a terrorist attack on American soil on Election Day.
The U.S. Department of Justice made an announcement on Tuesday regarding charges brought against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Tawhedi is accused of conspiring to conduct a terrorist attack on Election Day on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), which is a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO).
Tawhedi’s wife’s brother, who was an Afghan national with legal permanent resident status, and a juvenile accomplice were both charged in the case. The brother, who was residing in Moore, Oklahoma, was identified as Tawhedi’s co-conspirator.
The criminal complaint states that the charges include providing, attempting to provide, and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
It also includes knowingly receiving, conspiring to receive, and attempting to receive firearms and ammunition to be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism.
According to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Department of Justice successfully prevented the defendant from carrying out a violent attack on U.S. soil on Election Day in the name of ISIS. The plot involved the acquisition of semi-automatic weapons.
Garland emphasized the commitment to combat the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and its supporters to America’s national security. The DOJ will actively identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals who seek to terrorize the American people.
In a Telegram message thread, it was mentioned that Tawhedi has sold the family’s Oklahoma home and is expected to receive the money by October 15. The message further stated, “After that, we will start our duty and, with the help of God, we will prepare for Election Day.”
When Tawhedi and his co-conspirator decided to liquidate their assets, they took to Facebook to advertise the sale of their personal property. Little did they know, an FBI confidential source happened to come across one of their ads.
Intrigued, the source expressed interest in purchasing a computer and mentioned having a firearms business. In response, the two Afghan nationals, not suspecting any foul play, agreed to meet with the source on October 7th at a rural location.
Unbeknownst to them, this encounter would lead to their downfall. Tawhedi, in particular, found himself in hot water when he purchased and received two AK-47 assault rifles, along with ten magazines and 500 rounds of ammunition. It was at this point that law enforcement intervened, promptly arresting him for his involvement in the illegal transaction.
U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, R-TN, and Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger, R-TX, have attributed the blame for this situation to the Biden-Harris “Operation Allies Welcome” policy. They argue that the policy allowed for the release of 77,000 Afghans into the country without proper vetting, as stated in an Inspector General report.
The statement highlights the potential consequences of allowing large numbers of individuals into the country without proper vetting. The committee has consistently voiced concerns about the security risks associated with the current administration’s ineffective leadership and flawed border security policies.
The lack of transparency surrounding the insufficient vetting and screening procedures after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan remains a cause for concern.
This issue came dangerously close to impacting American lives, as evidenced by the recent foiled terror plot on Election Day. While we commend the law enforcement’s efforts in preventing this incident, it is imperative that President Biden and Vice President Harris reevaluate their misguided policies and prioritize the safety and security of the American people.