In a major development in a domestic terrorism case, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty on Friday to charges related to a planned terrorist attack on Election Day 2024. According to court documents and statements from the U.S. Department of Justice, Tawhedi conspired to support the Islamic State (ISIS) and attempted to acquire firearms in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism. His guilty plea, entered in federal court, could result in up to 35 years in prison.

Plot Details and Conspiracy

Authorities allege that Tawhedi acquired two AK-47-style assault rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition, intending to use them to target large public gatherings during Election Day. The plot, aimed at causing mass casualties in the name of ISIS, was thwarted thanks to intensive surveillance and investigative work by the FBI. Tawhedi reportedly conspired with multiple individuals, including his brother-in-law, Abdullah Haji Zada, who was only 17 years old at the time of the planned attack.

Zada has also pleaded guilty in a separate proceeding in April and faces up to 15 years in prison. Despite his minor status, Zada was charged as an adult due to the severity of the conspiracy and the national security implications.

The U.S. government has designated ISIS as a foreign terrorist organization, and Tawhedi's actions — planning, conspiring, and acquiring weapons in its name — fall under federal terrorism statutes.

Law Enforcement Response

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the coordinated effort of federal agencies in preventing a potentially deadly attack. “The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day in 2024, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners,” Patel said in a public statement following the plea.

The FBI had placed Tawhedi under surveillance for more than a month before arresting him on October 7, 2024. He had been working as a rideshare driver and at local auto repair shops, appearing to live an ordinary life while allegedly plotting mass violence.

Immigration Background and Legal Status

Tawhedi entered the United States in September 2021, shortly after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, on a special immigrant visa (SIV) granted to Afghan nationals, many of whom had assisted the U.S. military. He was placed on parole status while his immigration case was pending. However, following his arrest and indictment, his parole has been revoked.

This development has raised broader questions about vetting procedures for SIV holders and the risks associated with radicalization post-resettlement.

Public and Political Reactions

The case has drawn attention at both local and national levels, particularly due to the timing of the attack plan, which targeted one of the most politically sensitive days in the U.S. calendar — Election Day. While there is no indication that the plot was tied to any specific political group or ideology within the U.S., the choice of timing suggests a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic processes and instill fear among voters.

Critics have expressed concern that such incidents may fuel anti-immigration rhetoric, especially in an election year. However, law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of distinguishing criminal actions from the larger immigrant community.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Tawhedi is scheduled for sentencing later this year. He faces up to 35 years in federal prison. His co-conspirator Zada, who pleaded guilty earlier, awaits his own sentencing hearing and could receive up to 15 years.

The Justice Department has not indicated whether any additional individuals will be charged in connection with this case. However, investigations remain ongoing to determine the full extent of communications between Tawhedi and any external ISIS operatives or cells.

National Security Context

This case underscores the evolving nature of domestic terrorism threats in the United States. While ISIS and other jihadist groups have been largely diminished in the Middle East, their ideological reach persists, often amplified by the internet and social media.

The use of domestic actors, especially those who arrived in the U.S. under refugee or special visa programs, poses a complex challenge to national security agencies tasked with balancing civil liberties and public safety.

It also highlights the effectiveness of the FBI’s counterterrorism surveillance and interdiction programs, particularly in preventing attacks before they are carried out. Tawhedi’s case will likely serve as a reference point for future security assessments, especially in advance of the next U.S. election cycle.

Conclusion

The guilty plea of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi marks a critical moment in the fight against ISIS-inspired terrorism within the United States. The swift action by federal agencies, the successful disruption of the plot, and the ongoing legal proceedings all point to a robust law enforcement response aimed at protecting democratic institutions and preserving public safety.

As more details emerge, this case will remain central to national conversations on immigration, terrorism, and public security — particularly as the 2026 midterm elections approach and global tensions continue to shape the geopolitical landscape.

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