Election Day terrorist plot failed

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, the FBI arrested an Afghan man who was planning an attack on election day. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Oklahoma City resident, was inspired by the Islamic State militant organization and had begun plotting the attack which would be targeting large crowds in the United States.

He had progressed the plans for the attack in recent weeks, including the ordering of AK-47 rifles, liquidating his family’s assets and purchasing one-way tickets for his wife and child to travel home to Afghanistan.

Tawhedi told investigators that he had planned the act to take place on Election Day and that he and his co-conspirator expected to die as martyrs.

It is unclear how the FBI came to the assumption of the terrorism Tawhedi was planning, but evidence from recent months creates a compelling case.

“Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people,” FBI director, Christopher Wray, said in a statement Tuesday.

The Justice Department has not identified the alleged co-conspirator, as he is a juvenile. Still, he has been described as a fellow Afghan national and the brother of Tawhedi’s wife.

Tawhedi was arrested on Monday after two AK-47 rifles entered his possession and the ordering of ammunition, officials said. The unidentified co-conspirator was also arrested.

The U.S. designated the Islamic State as a foreign terrorist organization. Tawhedi was charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State. This charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Hannah Neurohr is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email hmn5264@psu.edu.