An Afghan national who came to the United States as a refugee has pleaded guilty to plotting a terror attack on American soil on Election Day.
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, entered a guilty plea this week to two serious terrorism-related charges: attempting to provide material support to ISIS and conspiring to obtain firearms in furtherance of a terror attack.
According to the Department of Justice, Tawhedi and an alleged co-conspirator, Abdullah Haji Zada, planned a coordinated assault for November 5, 2024—Election Day—and wanted to “die as martyrs.” Prosecutors say Tawhedi purchased two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammo, and 10 magazines, all “on behalf of ISIS.”
“According to a criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Tawhedi communicated with an ISIS facilitator about his plan to purchase firearms for use in the terror plot, including asking the individual whether 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient.
U.S. officials didn’t hold back in their press release:
“By pledging allegiance to ISIS and plotting an attack against innocent Americans on Election Day, this defendant endangered lives and gravely betrayed the nation that gave him refuge,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Today’s guilty plea guarantees he will be held accountable, stripped of his immigration status, and permanently removed from the United States, and shows the Justice Department has zero tolerance for those who exploit our freedoms to spread violence.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added:
“The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day in 2024, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners… Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice.”
U.S. Attorney Robert Troester echoed those sentiments:
“Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted, and those responsible are being held accountable.”
Tawhedi faces up to 20 years in federal prison, while Zada, his accused accomplice, is looking at a 15-year max sentence.
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