[10/9/24] State leaders spoke out Tuesday after an Afghanistan citizen living in Oklahoma City was charged with conspiring to commit an Election Day terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, was arrested by the FBI after purchasing two AK-47 assault rifles, 10 magazines and 500 rounds of ammunition from a confidential source of the agency in rural Oklahoma. His co-conspirator was a juvenile, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The man allegedly planned to attack a place where a large crowd would be gathered on U.S. soil on Election Day, according to messages from Tawhedi obtained by the FBI.
He was charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and receiving a firearm to be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our investigators and law enforcement officers for successfully uncovering and stopping this terrorist plot before innocent lives were put in danger. This is a powerful example of how the information-sharing measures we implemented between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are making a real difference,” Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement. “Those who seek to harm our nation, threaten our freedoms, and disrupt our way of life will be held accountable and face the full force of the law.”
Both U.S. senators from Oklahoma also released statements on the planned attack.
“I have been in direct contact with the FBI about this case for a while and I will remain engaged as Tawhedi is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I will continue to work closely with Federal prosecutors to ensure we are taking every step necessary to keep Americans safe,” Sen. James Lankford said in part.
The charges brought against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi in Oklahoma for plotting an Election Day terrorist attack on US soil is a stark reminder that our nation continues to face threats from those who hate our freedom and want to do us harm. — Sen. James Lankford
Both senators said they were aware of the potential arrest before it happened.
“I was briefed on this situation prior to the arrest, and it’s an ongoing investigation. I commend those who stopped this from moving ahead, and will remain in contact with state and federal law enforcement,” Sen. Markwayne Mullin said on social media.
Oklahoma City Mayor David holt also expressed his gratitude for law enforcement officials.
“On behalf of the people of OKC, we are grateful to the men and women of DOJ, the FBI, the US Attorney’s office and OCPD for their work stopping this terrorist plot,” Holt posted on social media.
