The FBI confirmed it thwarted a significant terrorist threat involving a planned mass shooting on Election Day, orchestrated by an alleged ISIS-K member.
According to Fox News, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, accused of conspiring in an ISIS-K-led attack, was arrested last week in Oklahoma.
Tawhedi, a 27-year-old who entered the U.S. under special parole, was previously employed by the CIA in Afghanistan as a security guard. He was arrested following his alleged involvement in plotting to carry out a violent attack on the day of national elections.
Investigations revealed that Tawhedi was plotting to acquire two AK-47 rifles for the intended attack. His plans were in collaboration with an ISIS-K affiliate known as "Malik." The FBI's intervention prevented the attack from reaching execution stages.
Tawhedi had entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program facilitated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide humanitarian parole to Afghan evacuees. His entry followed the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Despite multiple vetting checks, including those related to his CIA employment and DHS parole status, officials later admitted that a crucial check for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) status was never conducted. This oversight has raised questions regarding the thoroughness of vetting processes.
The DHS Inspector General's report has highlighted these incomplete vetting processes for Afghan evacuees, emphasizing the potential gaps that may lead to security risks.
The investigation into Tawhedi’s background also uncovered familial ties to another planned attack. A 22-year-old family member of Tawhedi was arrested in Haute-Garonne, France, in connection with a separate planned terrorist attack, alongside two other persons.
This international aspect emphasizes the interconnected nature of these threats, with coordinated efforts needed to address them effectively. The FBI statement to Fox News Digital highlighted the collaboration between U.S. and French law enforcement as key to preventing these potential attacks.
"The recent arrests in France and by the FBI's Oklahoma City field office demonstrate the importance of partnerships to detect and disrupt potential terrorist attacks," the FBI stated, underscoring the priority of preventing terrorist acts globally.
The case underscores significant concerns about the vetting process for individuals entering the U.S. under emergency initiatives. While the DHS claimed no red flags were identified for Tawhedi, sources have questioned the adequacy of these verifications.
Doubts about the vetting thoroughness were further fueled by evidence that emerged, showing Tawhedi's financial transactions to an ISIS-linked charity, along with his consumption of extremist material online.
Such findings have triggered debates about balancing humanitarian efforts with national security, and the need to address any shortcomings in existing procedures.
The FBI's actions in this case reflect a sustained focus on addressing potential terrorist threats within the United States. The coordinated operations with international partners reinforce the broader strategy of maintaining global vigilance against terrorism.
This incident, along with similar threats intertwined with international elements, reinforces the importance of robust security measures and intelligence sharing among allied countries.
Authorities continue to emphasize the critical nature of these coordinated efforts, as illustrated by the successful prevention of the planned Election Day attack.
The FBI remains firmly committed to collaborating with its global and domestic partners to ensure that diligent preventive actions are undertaken to protect communities from potential threats of violence.
