(Washington) The FBI has arrested an Afghan man who authorities say was inspired by the Islamic State militant group and was planning an election day attack targeting large crowds in the United States, the Department of Defense said Tuesday. Justice.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, told investigators after his arrest Monday that he planned his attack to coincide with Election Day next month and that he and a minor co-conspirator expected to die as martyrs, according to charging documents.
The man, who entered the United States in 2021 on a special immigrant visa, had taken steps in recent weeks to advance his attack plans, including ordering AK-47 rifles, liquidating assets of his family and purchasing one-way tickets for his wife and child to return home to Afghanistan.
“Terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use all resources to protect the American people,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement.
According to the Justice Department, after his arrest, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi told investigators he planned an election day attack that would target large gatherings of people. He was charged with conspiracy and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group, which is designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.
It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.