OKLAHOMA CITY — Two people are charged in an alleged Election Day terrorist attack plot in the U.S. on behalf of ISIS.
The FBI arrested a 27-year-old man from Afghanistan living in Oklahoma City and a juvenile, who attended Southmoore High School virtually on Oct. 8.
The criminal complaint said Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, and the juvenile conspired and attempted to provide material support to ISIS and obtained firearms and ammunition to conduct a violent attack on U.S. soil in the name of ISIS.
The Department of Justice said Tawhedi allegedly took steps to liquidate his family’s assets, resettle members of his family overseas, acquire AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition, and commit a terrorist attack in the United States.
After a search of Tawhedi's phone, investigators found conversations with a person who facilitated recruitment, training, and indoctrination of people interested in terrorist activity.
Tawhedi was also seen in a video recorded on July 20 reading to two children a text that describes the rewards a martyr receives in the afterlife.
The two were arrested after the FBI learned Tawhedi was trying to buy a computer in exchange for guns. The pair went to a remote location to test firearms, where they were met with law enforcement waiting to arrest them.
In a post-arrest interview, Tawhedi said they were targeting large gatherings of people on Election Day. He and the juvenile were expected to die in the attack as "martyrs".
Moore Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Romines released this statement about the student's arrest:
Dear MPS Families,
Late yesterday, Moore Public Schools learned that a virtual Southmoore student was arrested. The Department of Justice states he is charged as a co-conspirator, “…for conspiring to conduct an Election Day terror attack in the United States…”
Multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are involved in this active investigation. All questions should be directed to them.
We are grateful for our effective agency partnerships and for the swift and efficient action that our law enforcement agencies take to keep our schools, community, and state safe.
At the time of this statement, and pending the law enforcement investigation, other students in the home are not at school. MPS will cooperate and support the investigation in any way we can.
We encourage our community and students to remain vigilant concerning the safety and security of our district and schools.
Senator James Lankford commented on the arrest:
"The charges brought against Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi in Oklahoma for plotting an Election Day terrorist attack on US soil is a stark reminder that our nation continues to face threats from those who hate our freedom and want to do us harm. I’m grateful to the FBI, especially the Oklahoma FBI Field Office, and our local law enforcement agencies for their vigilance and dedication to protect our communities. Their swift action prevented what could have been a devastating attack.
“Tawhedi is Afghan refugee with ties to ISIS. With the escalating conflict in Israel and across the Middle East, we must remain vigilant against terrorism here at home. Oklahomans know well that many of the Afghan refugees in our communities fought side by side with American troops against the terrorism that attacked our nation on 9/11 and destroyed the nation of Afghanistan.
“I have been in direct contact with the FBI about this case for a while and I will remain engaged as Tawhedi is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I will continue to work closely with Federal prosecutors to ensure we are taking every step necessary to keep Americans safe.”
Governor Kevin Stitt said he's thankful agents stopped the planned attack:
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our investigators and law enforcement officers for successfully uncovering and stopping this terrorist plot before innocent lives were put in danger. This is a powerful example of how the information-sharing measures we implemented between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are making a real difference.
“Those who seek to harm our nation, threaten our freedoms, and disrupt our way of life will be held accountable and face the full force of the law.”
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