Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national, was arrested in Oklahoma for allegedly plotting an ISIS-inspired terror attack on Election Day, November 5, 2024.

The Justice Department announced his arrest, charging him with conspiracy and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which could lead to a potential 20-year prison sentence.

Investigators discovered communication on Tawhedi's phone indicating he believed he was in contact with affiliates of the Islamic State.

Tawhedi was apprehended alongside a juvenile accomplice, his brother-in-law, during a meeting with undercover FBI agents for the purchase of assault rifles and ammunition.

Since arriving in the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in September 2021, Tawhedi had made significant preparations for the attack, including ordering AK-47 rifles and liquidating family assets.

At the time of his arrest, Tawhedi was living in Oklahoma City on parole status while awaiting immigration proceedings.

U.S. authorities have successfully thwarted the planned terrorist attack, highlighting ongoing concerns about extremist violence ahead of the elections.

FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that terrorism remains a top priority for the agency, especially in light of this incident.

Court documents reveal that Tawhedi had accessed ISIS propaganda online and contributed to an ISIS charity, although it remains unclear if he was radicalized before or after arriving in the U.S.

Tawhedi, who lives in Oklahoma with his wife and their one-year-old child, reportedly expressed intentions to die as a martyr during the planned attack.

A report from the DHS inspector general noted that the agency lacked critical data for screening Afghan refugees, raising questions about Tawhedi's entry.

The Department of Homeland Security initially claimed Tawhedi arrived with a special immigrant visa, a statement later disputed by the State Department.