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Terror Plot Foiled: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Election Day Attack
Oklahoma native and citizen of Afghanistan, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, has pleaded guilty to plotting a terror attack on Election Day in 2024. The defendant, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge.
Tawhedi admitted that between June 2024 and October 2024, he conspired with at least one other individual to purchase two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines, with the intent to carry out a mass-casualty attack on or around Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, on behalf of ISIS. The defendant communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.
Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, Abdullah Haji Zada, 18, were arrested on Oct. 7, 2024, after purchasing the firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee. Zada pleaded guilty in April 2025 to the firearms offense in connection with his role in the terror plot and is awaiting sentencing.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the defendant’s actions, stating, ‘By pledging allegiance to ISIS and plotting an attack against innocent Americans on Election Day, this defendant endangered lives and gravely betrayed the nation that gave him refuge.’ FBI Director Kash Patel added, ‘Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice.’
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester praised the outstanding work by the FBI, law enforcement partners, and prosecutors in discovering and investigating the terror plot. The Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force also played a crucial role in stopping Tawhedi’s plan to kill innocent Americans in a terrorist attack on Election Day.
At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. Upon completion of any sentence, Tawhedi will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan. Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison and will also be permanently removed from the United States upon completion of his sentence.
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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