Election Day Terror Plot Trial Continued To April

A federal court in Oklahoma has postponed the trial of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a man accused of plotting an attack on Election Day, to April.

Tawhedi faces charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS and receiving a firearm for use in a federal crime of terrorism.

Tawhedi, 27, was arrested in October and remains in custody in Pottawatomie County. Federal prosecutors allege he and a juvenile accomplice were planning an attack targeting large crowds. Investigators say Tawhedi told the FBI he intended to die as a martyr and acted on behalf of ISIS while residing in Oklahoma City.

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Details of the Allegations

According to court documents, Tawhedi and his 17-year-old brother-in-law from Moore purchased AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines, and 500 rounds of ammunition. The FBI’s investigation revealed Google searches on Tawhedi's computer for “how to access Washington D.C. cameras” and live footage of the White House and Washington Monument.

The Justice Department also alleges Tawhedi exchanged messages with pro-ISIS groups, shared propaganda, and transferred funds to the terrorist organization. He entered the U.S. in 2021 on a special immigrant visa for individuals who worked as translators for U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Local Arrest Heightens Concerns

In a related incident, a man was arrested near Northwest 122nd Street and Council Road in Oklahoma City after making anti-American statements and threatening violence. Police reported the man, who proclaimed himself “Allah,” took a fighting stance and expressed intentions to harm others. He was arrested on a complaint of terrorism.

This arrest has added to heightened concerns among Oklahoma's Muslim community. Adam Solanti, executive director of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), spoke out against rising Islamophobia following Tawhedi's arrest. Solanti compared the situation to blaming all Christians for the actions of extremist groups like the KKK.

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“This type of anti-Muslim sentiment is not uncommon after high-profile crimes involving individuals from a Muslim background,” Solanti said. He noted an increase in hateful rhetoric, including a derogatory voicemail left at CAIR's Oklahoma office.

Combating Stigma

Solanti emphasized the importance of education to combat misinformation about Islam. “To dispel this stigma, we need to focus on education and resources that promote understanding of Islam and its followers,” he said. CAIR encourages anyone experiencing anti-Muslim hate crimes to report incidents to local law enforcement or reach out for support through their website.

Upcoming Proceedings

The federal grand jury’s indictment against Tawhedi includes charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as well as receiving firearms for use in a federal crime of terrorism. His trial, initially set for early 2025, has been continued to April, allowing both prosecution and defense more time to prepare.

Prosecutors assert Tawhedi’s actions were aimed at aiding a terrorist organization, while defense attorneys have not commented publicly on the case. As the trial approaches, the case continues to draw attention locally and nationally for its implications on terrorism and immigration policies.

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