The FBI has arrested an Afghan man who officers say was impressed by the Islamic State militant group and was plotting an Election Day assault focusing on giant crowds within the U.S., the Justice Division mentioned Tuesday.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, of Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma, instructed investigators after his arrest Monday that he had deliberate his assault to coincide with Election Day subsequent month and that he and a juvenile co-conspirator anticipated to die as martyrs, based on charging paperwork.
Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. in 2021 on a particular immigrant visa, had taken steps in latest weeks to advance his assault plans, together with by ordering AK-47 rifles, liquidating his household’s property and shopping for one-way tickets for his spouse and youngster to journey residence to Afghanistan.
“Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people,” FBI Director Christopher Wray mentioned in an announcement.
After he was arrested, the Justice Division mentioned, Tawhedi instructed investigators he had deliberate an assault for Election Day that may goal giant gatherings of individuals.
Tawhedi was charged with conspiring and making an attempt to offer materials help to the Islamic State group, which is designated by the U.S. as a overseas terrorist group.
It was not instantly clear if he had a lawyer who might converse on his behalf.
