Crime
27-year-old Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi from Oklahoma Charged with ISIS-Linked Plot to Attack Election Day
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (October 9, 2024) – The Department of Justice announced today that a citizen of Afghanistan residing in Oklahoma City has been charged with conspiring to conduct a terrorist attack on Election Day in the United States on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, allegedly plotted to acquire firearms and ammunition and carry out a violent attack on U.S. soil in the name of ISIS. As part of the conspiracy, Tawhedi took steps to liquidate his family’s assets, relocate his family members overseas, and obtain AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “As charged, the Justice Department foiled the defendant’s plot to acquire semi-automatic weapons and commit a violent attack in the name of ISIS on U.S. soil on Election Day.” He emphasized the department’s commitment to combating terrorism and protecting the American people.
FBI Director Christopher Wray commended the FBI agents who uncovered and stopped the plot, stating, “Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people.”
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma praised the relentless efforts of the FBI, National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and federal prosecutors in disrupting the alleged plan and arresting Tawhedi.
According to the criminal complaint, the FBI investigated Tawhedi and obtained communications between him and an ISIS-affiliated individual who facilitated recruitment, training, and indoctrination of potential terrorists.
Tawhedi was also seen in a video reading text to children that described the rewards of martyrdom in the afterlife. Additionally, he allegedly accessed, viewed, and saved ISIS propaganda, participated in pro-ISIS Telegram groups, and contributed to a charity that funds ISIS.
As part of his preparations for the attack, Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, a juvenile, advertised the sale of their family’s personal property on Facebook. An undercover FBI agent responded to the advertisement, posing as a potential buyer of a computer for a new gun business. This interaction led to a meeting between Tawhedi, the juvenile, and FBI assets at a rural location to test firearms. Tawhedi expressed interest in purchasing AK-47 assault rifles, magazines, and ammunition.
On October 7th, Tawhedi and the juvenile met with the FBI assets and purchased two AK-47 assault rifles, ten magazines, and 500 rounds of ammunition. They were subsequently arrested.
Tawhedi’s seized communications indicated that he planned to target large gatherings of people on Election Day, aiming to die as a martyr. He was charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and receiving a firearm to be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with assistance from the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Moore, Oklahoma Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry, Matt Dillon, and Mark Stoneman for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorneys George C. Kraehe and Everett McMillian of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.