The Right Way: Top of the News

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Top of the News

FBI Foils Election-Day Terror Attack by Afghan National
- Paula Bolyard - PJ Media

On Tuesday, the Justice Department unsealed an indictment against an Afghan national living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for "conspiring to conduct an Election Day terrorist attack in the United States on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO)."

According to a Justice Department press release, "Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, conspired and attempted to provide material support to ISIS and obtained firearms and ammunition to conduct a violent attack on U.S. soil in the name of ISIS."

Both Tawhedi and his juvenile co-conspirator were in the U.S. on Special Immigrant Visas. Tawhedi is married to the juvenile's sister.

"As part of the plot, the defendant allegedly took steps to liquidate his family’s assets, resettle members of his family overseas, acquire AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition, and commit a terrorist attack in the United States," the DOJ said. The suspect even made arrangements for the family's pets to be re-homed ahead of the attack.

In a chilling Telegram message found on Tawhedi's phone, he told an ISIS recruiter who goes by the alias Abdul Malik, "Brother, our house was sold today. We'll receive the money by the 15th of October, next month. After that, we will begin our duty, Allah willing, with the help of Allah we will get ready for the election day." The Telegram messages detailed a plan for Tawhedi's family to leave the United States for Kabul on Oct. 17, 2024, using one-way tickets. His Google history revealed searches on how to access cameras in Washington, D.C., and which states allow permitless carry.

"In his seized communications, Tawhedi allegedly indicated that his attack was planned for Election Day, and in a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi allegedly confirmed the attack was planned for Election Day targeting large gatherings of people, during which he and the juvenile were expected to die as martyrs," the DOJ said.

In a July 2024 video found on Tawhedi's phone, he was recorded describing the rewards for jihadi martyrs, including 72 virgins and "a crown full of jewels." His devices also contained ISIS media and propaganda, including images depicting the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, suicide vests, and language about "killing infidels." Tawhedid also has a history of donating to "charities" that funnel money to ISIS.

“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,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated in the press release.

“This defendant, motivated by ISIS, allegedly conspired to commit a violent attack, on Election Day, here on our homeland," said FBI Director Christopher Wray.