Afghan national living in the U.S. charged with allegedly plotting an Election Day terrorist attack

An Afghan national living in Oklahoma was charged this week with conspiring to carry out a terrorist attack on Election Day on behalf of the Islamic State terrorist group, according to court documents unsealed Tuesday.

Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, was arrested Monday in connection with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS and getting firearms and ammunition to execute a violent attack in the United States on behalf of the terrorist group. Tawhedi made his initial appearance Tuesday in the federal courthouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell.

According to court documents, Tawhedi indicated in seized communications that he planned his attack for Election Day, on Nov. 5. During an interview following his arrest, he allegedly confirmed the attack was intended to target large gatherings and that he was expected to die a martyr along with a juvenile co-conspirator.

Tawhedi allegedly made efforts to liquidate his family’s assets, resettle family members abroad, and obtain AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition, according to court documents.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Tuesday that the Justice Department would continue “to combat the ongoing threat that ISIS and its supporters pose to America’s national security, and we will identify, investigate, and prosecute the individuals who seek to terrorize the American people.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.