Staff Reports
In a startling turn of events, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of a 27-year-old Afghan man living in Oklahoma City for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day. The man, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, had immigrated to the United States via a special immigrant visa after the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021. He was reportedly acting on behalf of ISIS, sparking widespread concern about the vetting procedures that allowed him into the country.
The timing of this arrest could not be more ironic. After nearly two years of defending their withdrawal strategy, the Biden administration now faces serious questions about the security risks tied to that decision. When reporters sought clarity on how Tawhedi was allowed into the U.S., Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas refrained from providing specifics, citing the ongoing investigation. However, he did reiterate that all Afghan nationals entering the U.S. had been “screened and vetted,” a claim now under scrutiny.
Digging deeper, it was revealed that Tawhedi had worked as a security guard in Afghanistan, raising concerns about how someone trusted with that role could later be linked to ISIS. Reports indicate that Tawhedi had been using Telegram, a platform known for facilitating extremist communication. Speculation abounds over whether he was radicalized after arriving in the U.S. or whether his extremist views predated his immigration.
Interestingly, Tawhedi had also been researching which U.S. states allow permitless gun carry, demonstrating a concerning level of preparation. Though many believe that terrorists do not follow legal protocols, this case shows that Tawhedi was strategic in his planning, possibly looking to exploit legal loopholes.
The Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan evacuation has been under intense scrutiny since 2021. Many have argued that the process was rushed, allowing individuals who were not thoroughly vetted to enter the U.S. Now, this arrest raises new concerns about the effectiveness of the vetting process. At the same time, there is growing worry about the fate of those left behind as the administration prioritized hitting evacuation targets.
As the investigation continues, the public remains uneasy about the security measures in place for immigrants entering the U.S. The Biden administration may need to take swift action to address these concerns, especially if this incident is to serve as a wake-up call. Moving forward, the country will hope that such a plot never comes to fruition, as national security remains a paramount concern.
