Judge Orders Afghan Man Accused of Planning Election Day Attack in US to Remain in Custody
A federal judge in Oklahoma City has ruled that an Afghan man accused of planning an Election Day attack in the U.S. must stay in custody as the criminal case against him moves forward. The judge’s decision came after hearing testimony from an FBI special agent revealing that Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, of Oklahoma City, had previously worked as a security guard for an American military installation in Afghanistan.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Mitchell made the ruling after learning that Tawhedi and his brother-in-law, a juvenile, were taking steps to acquire AK-47 rifles and ammunition, intending to target large crowds on Election Day next month. Mitchell found probable cause to proceed with a trial for Tawhedi.
FBI agent Derek Wiley testified that Tawhedi is also connected to a case in France, where three individuals, including two of Tawhedi’s brothers, were recently detained for planning a terrorist attack in that country. The arrested individuals were reportedly inspired by Islamic State ideology.
Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa in 2021, had been on parole awaiting an immigration status determination after fleeing Afghanistan when the Taliban took control of Kabul. His parole status has now been revoked, making his stay in the U.S. unlawful if released.
During the court hearing, it was disclosed that Tawhedi had been under FBI surveillance for over 40 days before his arrest on October 7. He confessed to planning an attack with his co-conspirator on Election Day and expressed willingness to die as martyrs. Tawhedi had allegiances to the Islamic State group and followed their directives through online communication platforms.
Despite requests for home detention while awaiting trial, the judge opted to keep Tawhedi in custody. His attorney mentioned that Tawhedi had no criminal record in the U.S. and had previously worked in non-threatening occupations like a rideshare driver and in oil change establishments.
The joint efforts of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and France played a crucial role in preventing potential terrorist activities, as emphasised by the FBI. The arrested individuals in both countries underline the significance of global partnerships in combating terrorism.
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This article includes reporting from Associated Press writer John Leicester in Paris.