US authorities have arrested a 27-year-old man who was allegedly attempting to buy weapons for a planned attack aimed at targeting large groups of people. The threat level in the country remains elevated.
The US Department of Justice stated on Tuesday that an Afghan citizen was arrested in Oklahoma for planning an attack on the day of the presidential election.
According to the charges filed, the 27-year-old planned to provide “material support” to the so-called Islamic State group (ISIS) and acquire firearms and ammunition to carry out a “violent attack on US soil in the name of the group.”
The FBI reported that it detected contact between the suspect, Nasir AT, and another individual believed to be associated with ISIS.
How was the suspect arrested?
According to US authorities, Nasir AT, along with a minor accomplice, attempted to purchase two AK-47 rifles and ammunition through an undercover FBI agent, which led to his arrest.
However, US officials have not provided details about the other co-conspirator involved, as he is a minor and therefore protected under special privacy laws. He is the brother-in-law of AT and also an Afghan citizen.
Authorities stated that during questioning after the arrest, AT allegedly revealed that the goal of the attack was to target large gatherings of people, and that both he and his accomplice intended to be killed as martyrs.
Reports indicate that AT entered the US in 2021 as part of a Special Immigrant Visa program, which is only available to individuals who worked as interpreters or under Chief of Mission authority for the US military in Iraq or Afghanistan.
However, the charges do not specify whether the Afghan citizen was actually a translator for the US armed forces.
Lone Attackers and Small Groups Pose the Greatest Threat
FBI Director Christopher Wray commended the arrest, saying, “I am proud of the FBI agents who uncovered and prevented this plot before anyone could be harmed.”
The US Department of Homeland Security stated last week that due to factors like the upcoming elections and war in the Middle East, the threat environment in the country is expected to remain high. In a statement, the department said, “Lone offenders and small groups pose the greatest threat.” Officials further stated that organizations such as ISIS and al-Qaeda are still attempting to carry out or encourage attacks on US soil.
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