The Afghan man was taken into custody by the government in the nation’s capital today for planning to carry out a terrorist attack on Election Day in the United States. The man had been under arrest following a long-term probe that revealed his alleged association with the Islamic State, or ISIS, officials said. The man had planned a mass assault against the democratic process, officials added.
The bust was a counterterrorism operation by the FBI and DHS. This individual is now known to have been radicalized online while being in constant communication with ISIS operatives. He planned to attack several polling stations on Election Day and other high-profile venues targeting mass casualties, according to reports.
“This arrest highlights the ongoing threat posed by those who have sought or been inspired to commit acts of terrorism on American soil,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement about the arrest. “Our counterterrorism teams acted quickly to neutralize this plot, and we continue to work to keep Americans safe as we exercise our right to vote.”
He had allegedly been under surveillance for months, law enforcement sources said. Federal agents claimed to have been monitoring every move and communication by the suspect. He had only just begun stockpiling material for the attack. Sources confirmed that he had stocked up on arms and explosives. It was not known at what locations and targets he would unleash the attack, but the threat was already “imminent.”
This plot, seemingly aimed at ISIS propaganda, had unleashed the very basic question of the possible foreign influence and extremist activity at critical moments in the U.S. political calendar. ISIS had called for attacks on Western nations; it had also used social media as a platform to recruit and inspire lone-wolf terrorists.
A celebratory Alejandro Mayorkas, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, stated, “We will not allow extremists to threaten our democracy. What was accomplished today serves as a wake-up call that we shall remain steadfast in our vigilance and unyielding in our efforts against every form of terrorism.”
The charges could include terrorism, which could lead to a life sentence if he were convicted. The authorities continue to investigate if others were involved in the plot.
