Authorities have arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan national who once served as a security guard for the CIA in Afghanistan, on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack on Election Day in the United States. Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. in 2021 during the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, is accused of attempting to purchase firearms and ammunition from undercover agents as part of his plot to carry out violence against Americans.
Investigators are now examining Tawhedi’s background to determine whether he was radicalized before or after his arrival in the U.S. He had successfully undergone two rounds of vetting processes for humanitarian parole and a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) prior to his entry. However, the recent arrest has raised serious concerns about potential gaps in the screening procedures for Afghan evacuees, prompting calls for a thorough review of the vetting processes in place for individuals who were evacuated during the U.S. withdrawal.
In addition to Tawhedi, a juvenile co-conspirator was also arrested in connection with the planned attack. Authorities revealed that Tawhedi confirmed the intent of the plot, emphasizing that it was aimed at harming American citizens.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to assess the full extent of Tawhedi’s connections and motives. Law enforcement officials stress the importance of vigilance and cooperation among agencies to prevent potential threats posed by individuals who may have been radicalized after entering the United States.
