A disturbing plot by Afghan nationals to carry out a terrorist attack on U.S. soil during the 2024 national elections has been foiled, following the confession of an 18-year-old Afghan man with permanent residency in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Justice on April 17 confirmed that Abdullah Haji-Zada admitted to planning a violent attack in Oklahoma in support of ISIS, revealing that he and his co-conspirator, 27-year-old Afghan national Nasir Ahmad Toohidi, had acquired AK-47 rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition for the planned assault.
The pair were arrested in October 2024, months ahead of the scheduled Election Day. Haji-Zada, who entered a plea agreement, now faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Upon completing his sentence, he will be deported and permanently barred from U.S. residency and asylum.
Toohidi, still in federal custody, faces multiple charges including providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and weapons offenses, with potential sentences of up to 20 years for each count.
Su Bai, head of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, stated that the confession underscores the Justice Department’s resolve in countering terrorism and holding extremists accountable.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Oklahoma, in coordination with local and federal law enforcement, led the investigation. Authorities emphasized the case as a stark example of growing threats from foreign nationals radicalized either before or after entering the United States.
This attempted attack highlights the grave risks posed by Afghan-linked terror networks and reinforces concerns over vetting failures that allow extremists to exploit U.S. immigration protections.
As the U.S. prepares for upcoming elections, security agencies remain on high alert to prevent any acts of terror. The Justice Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those who seek to endanger American lives and democratic processes will face the full force of the law.
