Chilling Terror Plot by Afghan Refugee Exposes Failures in Vetting Process

Paul Riverbank, 10/10/2024Afghan refugee arrested for ISIS terror plot, raising concerns about vetting of immigrants.

The details of Tawhedi's intentions are disturbing -- court documents reveal he was liquidating his family's assets and planning to move them abroad, signaling his commitment to this heinous act. He had acquired various firearms, including assault rifles, potentially laying the groundwork for a massacre. "I am proud of the men and women of the FBI who uncovered and stopped the plot before anyone was harmed. Terrorism is still the FBI's number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people," said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Tawhedi's online activities paint a grim picture of his radicalization -- he was involved in pro-ISIS communications and had even donated to groups suspected of funneling money to the organization. His messages reflect a disturbing mindset; for instance, he discussed stockpiling bullets in preparation for an attack. Even more troubling is the alleged indoctrination of children into extremist beliefs -- reports indicate he read to them about the supposed rewards of martyrdom, showcasing how extremist ideologies can prey on the innocent.

The case has reignited concerns about the vetting processes for refugees, particularly those from high-risk areas. "When tens of thousands of insufficiently vetted individuals are let into the interior, this is the inevitable result," said House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green. While law enforcement successfully thwarted Tawhedi's plan, his case raises serious questions about the need for strong immigration policies and national security measures.

Tawhedi entered the United States on Sept. 9, 2021 -- nearly 20 years to the day after the 9/11 attacks -- on a special immigrant visa following the Biden-Harris administration's botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. "Biden/Harris roll out the red carpet for Afghan terrorist who plots to kill us on Election Day," Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) wrote. Critics have long warned about the potential for extremists to slip through the cracks amid the mass evacuation of Afghans, with President Donald Trump stating in 2021: "How many terrorists will Joe Biden bring to America? We don't know!"

While the Biden administration has defended the vetting process as "multilayered," watchdog reports have highlighted vulnerabilities. A Pentagon inspector general report revealed that at least 50 evacuees were brought to the U.S. whose information indicated "potentially serious security concerns." As the nation grapples with this incident, reaffirming our commitment to freedom, democracy, and the safety of our communities is crucial -- a stark reminder that the threat of extremism knows no borders.

The arrest of an Afghan refugee in Oklahoma accused of plotting a brutal Election Day terrorist attack for ISIS -- a chilling reminder of the far-reaching tentacles of extremism. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, allegedly worked with the Islamic State to orchestrate a violent assault on U.S. soil, a plan that was foiled thanks to the diligent efforts of the FBI and the Justice Department. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "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."The details of Tawhedi's intentions are disturbing -- court documents reveal he was liquidating his family's assets and planning to move them abroad, signaling his commitment to this heinous act. He had acquired various firearms, including assault rifles, potentially laying the groundwork for a massacre. "I am proud of the men and women of the FBI who uncovered and stopped the plot before anyone was harmed. Terrorism is still the FBI's number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people," said FBI Director Christopher Wray.Tawhedi's online activities paint a grim picture of his radicalization -- he was involved in pro-ISIS communications and had even donated to groups suspected of funneling money to the organization. His messages reflect a disturbing mindset; for instance, he discussed stockpiling bullets in preparation for an attack. Even more troubling is the alleged indoctrination of children into extremist beliefs -- reports indicate he read to them about the supposed rewards of martyrdom, showcasing how extremist ideologies can prey on the innocent.The case has reignited concerns about the vetting processes for refugees, particularly those from high-risk areas. "When tens of thousands of insufficiently vetted individuals are let into the interior, this is the inevitable result," said House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green. While law enforcement successfully thwarted Tawhedi's plan, his case raises serious questions about the need for strong immigration policies and national security measures.Tawhedi entered the United States on Sept. 9, 2021 -- nearly 20 years to the day after the 9/11 attacks -- on a special immigrant visa following the Biden-Harris administration's botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. "Biden/Harris roll out the red carpet for Afghan terrorist who plots to kill us on Election Day," Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) wrote. Critics have long warned about the potential for extremists to slip through the cracks amid the mass evacuation of Afghans, with President Donald Trump stating in 2021: "How many terrorists will Joe Biden bring to America? We don't know!" Featured Story

The arrest has sparked a firestorm of criticism from Republicans -- Sen. Chuck Grassley stated, "The number one job of our government is to protect its citizens. By hiding behind clerical excuses, refusing to take accountability and neglecting to address known vulnerabilities in vetting and resettlement processes, the Biden-Harris administration failed to prioritize Americans' safety and, once again, projected weakness on the global stage." House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik echoed similar sentiments, blaming the administration's "catastrophic America Last foreign policy" for making America less safe.While the Biden administration has defended the vetting process as "multilayered," watchdog reports have highlighted vulnerabilities. A Pentagon inspector general report revealed that at least 50 evacuees were brought to the U.S. whose information indicated "potentially serious security concerns." As the nation grapples with this incident, reaffirming our commitment to freedom, democracy, and the safety of our communities is crucial -- a stark reminder that the threat of extremism knows no borders.