U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice, a Republican from Oklahoma, expressed her frustration with the Biden administration for obstructing the FBI’s ability to provide her with a briefing regarding the arrest of an Afghan man who stands accused of planning a terror attack on Election Day.
Bice emphasized the importance of receiving timely and critical information to ensure the safety and security of the American people.
Representative Stephanie Bice expressed her concerns in a letter sent on Friday to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. She emphasized that the FBI had initially been fully supportive of her request, but there was a change in stance after the involvement of the Justice Department. Bice’s letter highlights the evolving dynamics surrounding her request.
“As someone who has lived in Oklahoma City for my whole life, our community still remembers the haunting event of April 19, 1995,” Bice stated, alluding to the tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. This devastating act claimed the lives of 168 individuals, including 19 innocent children.”
Bice’s office and the White House have been contacted by Fox News Digital after she requested a briefing to be provided as quickly as possible.
Rep. Stephanie Bice, a Republican from Oklahoma, addressed the media at a news conference in Washington, D.C. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images).
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old resident of Oklahoma, was apprehended this week on charges of plotting a terrorist act on behalf of the Islamic State. Surprisingly, he entered the United States just a month after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Contrary to the initial claims made by the Justice Department, Tawhedi arrived in the country through a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) humanitarian parole, rather than a special immigrant visa.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has raised concerns about the vetting process for Afghan individuals entering the United States. In a recent report, the OIG pointed out flaws in the system, warning that national security threats may have been able to enter the country as a result.
According to the report, the vetting process for Afghan nationals lacked proper documentation and verification procedures. This raises concerns about the potential for individuals with malicious intent to exploit the system and gain entry into the US.
The OIG also highlighted the lack of coordination between agencies involved in the vetting process, which further undermines the effectiveness of the system. This lack of coordination makes it difficult to ensure that individuals with ties to terrorist organizations or other national security risks are properly identified and denied entry.
The report emphasized the need for improved information sharing and collaboration between agencies to enhance the vetting process. It also called for increased training for personnel involved in the screening and vetting of Afghan individuals.
These findings come at a crucial time, as the US continues to process and resettle Afghan evacuees following the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The OIG report serves as a reminder of the importance of a robust and thorough vetting process to safeguard national security.
In response to the OIG’s findings, the DHS has acknowledged the need for improvements in the vetting process. The department has stated that it is working to address the vulnerabilities identified in the report and enhance the overall effectiveness of the system.
Ensuring the safety and security of the United States is of paramount importance, particularly in a time of increased global threats. The findings of the DHS OIG report highlight the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of the vetting process to protect national security and prevent potential threats from entering the country.
The DHS inspector general’s office released a report in 2022, stating that officials often lacked essential data for effectively screening, vetting, or inspecting the evacuees.
According to investigators, it is believed that Tawhedi underwent radicalization upon his arrival in the United States. According to the administration, Tawhedi underwent thorough vetting procedures, and no concerning issues were identified.
“The unsealed criminal complaint against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi highlights ongoing concerns surrounding the consequences of the Administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and insufficient screening of evacuees,” Bice stated.