Afghan National Pleads Guilty to ISIS-Inspired Election Day Terrorism Plot

An Afghan national and lawful permanent resident of the United States has pleaded guilty to firearms-related terrorism charges in connection with a plot to carry out an ISIS-inspired attack on Election Day 2024. Abdullah Haji Zada, 18, admitted to conspiring to acquire firearms and ammunition intended for use in a terrorist assault on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organisation.

Terrorism Plot Targeted US Election Day

Court documents revealed that Zada and a co-conspirator, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, received two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition. The weapons were to be used in a coordinated attack on United States Election Day in November 2024. Both men were arrested in October 2024, prior to the execution of their plans.

Zada was 17 at the time of his arrest but entered a guilty plea as an adult. He now faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition to criminal sentencing, Zada has agreed to a judicial removal order, which will see him deported to Afghanistan upon the completion of his sentence. He also waived his right to appeal either his conviction or deportation, including any claim for asylum.

Co-Conspirator Awaits Trial

Tawhedi, also a citizen of Afghanistan, is facing trial for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and attempting to acquire firearms to commit a federal crime of terrorism. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years for the material support charge and a further 15 years for the firearms offence. He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Multi-Agency Investigation

The case was investigated by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, supported by federal and local partners including Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and various police departments. Prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Western District of Oklahoma and the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

This case underscores ongoing concerns about radicalisation and the threat of domestic terrorist activity inspired by foreign extremist groups. The use of collaborative federal and local law enforcement resources was instrumental in disrupting the planned Election Day attack before lives could be endangered.

Read the press release here.