The Justice Department has announced charges against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan citizen residing in Oklahoma City, for allegedly conspiring to conduct an Election Day terrorist attack in the United States on behalf of ISIS. The criminal complaint filed today accuses Tawhedi of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and acquiring firearms and ammunition for a planned violent attack.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "As charged, the Justice Department foiled the defendant’s plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons and commit a violent attack in the name of ISIS on U.S. soil on Election Day." He expressed gratitude to the FBI, National Security Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in disrupting the attack.
FBI Director Christopher Wray commented on the case, saying, "This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack, on Election Day, here on our homeland." He praised the FBI's role in uncovering and stopping the plot before any harm occurred.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma added that "Thanks to the relentless efforts of the FBI, National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and federal prosecutors in my office," Tawhedi's alleged plan was disrupted and he was arrested.
The investigation revealed communications between Tawhedi and an individual believed to be affiliated with ISIS who facilitated recruitment and training for terrorist activities. Tawhedi reportedly accessed ISIS propaganda online and participated in pro-ISIS groups.
Tawhedi allegedly liquidated family assets prior to planning his attack and attempted to purchase firearms through an FBI source posing as a gun dealer. On October 7th, he acquired two AK-47 rifles and ammunition from undercover agents before being arrested alongside a juvenile co-conspirator.
If convicted, Tawhedi faces up to 20 years for conspiring to support ISIS and up to 15 years for receiving firearms intended for terrorism-related crimes. The investigation is ongoing with assistance from local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry, Matt Dillon, Mark Stoneman along with Trial Attorneys George C. Kraehe and Everett McMillian are prosecuting this case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.