Afghan Refugee Charged In Election Day Plot Shows Gaps In Refugee Screening

The Biden-Harris administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan is under fire again after an Afghan refugee, who previously worked for the CIA, was arrested for planning a terrorist attack on Election Day. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, who entered the US on a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), is accused of radicalizing online and plotting an ISIS-inspired attack while living in Oklahoma City.

According to the FBI, Tawhedi was arrested after attempting to purchase AK-47 rifles for the attack. He allegedly used social media platforms to engage with ISIS supporters and spread extremist propaganda. Law enforcement officials believe he planned to target voters in a violent attack on Election Day.

Tawhedi’s arrest has raised serious concerns about the vetting process for Afghan refugees who entered the US following the Kabul evacuation. Federal sources have revealed that many evacuees were not properly screened and that some were allowed to leave military bases without completing the vetting process. A DHS report highlighted major failures in tracking Afghan refugees, noting that many were not properly monitored after arriving in the US.

The FBI’s investigation into Tawhedi revealed disturbing evidence of his radicalization, including ISIS propaganda and videos of him discussing martyrdom with children. Federal officials have called his case a prime example of the dangers posed by poorly vetted refugees.

Tawhedi is now facing charges of providing material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.