An Afghan man with CIA ties has been arrested for plotting an ISIS-inspired terror attack on Election Day, exposing a shocking betrayal that threatens the heart of American democracy.
At a Glance
- Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan national living in Oklahoma City, was arrested for planning an Election Day terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS
- Tawhedi, who previously worked as a security guard for the CIA in Afghanistan, entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in 2021
- The plot involved acquiring AK-47 rifles and ammunition, targeting large gatherings on Election Day
- FBI and other agencies disrupted the plot before it could be executed
- Tawhedi faces charges that could result in a maximum of 35 years in prison if convicted
From CIA Ally to ISIS Sympathizer: A Shocking Betrayal
In a stunning turn of events that exposes the vulnerabilities in our immigration system, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national residing in Oklahoma City, has been arrested for plotting a terrorist attack on U.S. soil. What makes this case particularly alarming is Tawhedi’s background: he previously worked as a security guard for the CIA in Afghanistan before entering the United States on a special immigrant visa in September 2021, following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
This case raises serious questions about the vetting process for Afghan allies and the potential risks associated with the Biden administration’s rushed evacuation efforts. How could someone who once worked alongside American forces turn against the very nation that offered him refuge?
The Plot Unveiled: ISIS-Inspired Attack on Election Day
According to the Justice Department, Tawhedi is charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS. The plot, which thankfully was thwarted by law enforcement, involved a chilling series of preparations. Tawhedi allegedly planned to liquidate family assets, resettle family members overseas, and acquire AK-47 rifles and ammunition for the attack.
The FBI’s investigation revealed that Tawhedi had been communicating with an ISIS-affiliated individual and accessing ISIS propaganda online. In a disturbing development, he and a juvenile co-conspirator attempted to sell family property on Facebook to fund their nefarious activities. The plot was set to target “large gatherings of people” on Election Day, with the attackers intending to die as martyrs.
A Failure of Vetting and National Security
This incident highlights the glaring inadequacies in our current immigration and vetting processes. Despite claims of rigorous screening, Tawhedi managed to enter the country and plot against it. An unnamed official attempted to defend the process, stating, “Every Afghan resettled in the U.S. undergoes a rigorous screening and vetting process no matter which agency they worked with.”
However, this case proves otherwise. It’s clear that our current procedures are not enough to protect American citizens from those who would do us harm, even when they come from seemingly trustworthy backgrounds.
The Ongoing Threat and Our Response
As we approach another critical election, this foiled plot serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to our national security and democratic processes. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the government’s commitment to combating these threats, stating, “We will continue to combat the ongoing threat that ISIS and its supporters pose to America’s national security, and we will identify, investigate, and prosecute the individuals who seek to terrorize the American people.”
While it’s reassuring that law enforcement agencies successfully disrupted this particular plot, we must remain vigilant. The case of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi underscores the need for a complete overhaul of our immigration policies, especially concerning those entering from high-risk regions. It’s time for our leaders to prioritize the safety and security of American citizens over misguided policies that “roll out the red carpet for terrorists,” as aptly put by Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
As we move forward, it’s crucial that we demand stronger vetting processes, enhanced national security measures, and a commitment to putting America first. Only then can we ensure that our elections remain free, fair, and most importantly, safe from those who seek to undermine our democracy through violence and terror.