Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan migrant and former security guard for the CIA, has been arrested for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, intended to coincide with Election Day in the United States. Tawhedi’s arrest was announced by the Justice Department, revealing his plans to provide material support to ISIS by acquiring firearms and ammunition.
Tawhedi entered the U.S. on September 9, 2021, under a special immigrant visa. Authorities allege that he attempted to purchase automatic assault rifles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition before law enforcement intervened to disrupt the deal. He was arrested alongside an unnamed juvenile co-conspirator.
Following his arrest, Tawhedi reportedly confessed to investigators that he had aimed to target large gatherings of people on Election Day. The FBI and the Justice Department emphasized their commitment to combating terrorism and protecting national security. FBI Director Christopher Wray reiterated that terrorism remains the agency’s top priority.
This case has reignited concerns about security and vetting processes for Afghan migrants who were granted humanitarian parole in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the Biden administration for allowing individuals like Tawhedi into the country, highlighting fears about the risks posed by those with questionable backgrounds.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the department successfully thwarted Tawhedi’s plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons, emphasizing ongoing efforts to combat ISIS and its supporters within the U.S.
The situation raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the immigration vetting process and the challenges of ensuring national security amid shifting political landscapes.
