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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.