Oklahoma: Afghan Muslim immigrant acquired two AK-47s, allegedly planned a jihadist attack for Election Day 2024

Image: Jihad Watch

Abdullah Haji Zada, 18, an Afghan native and U.S. lawful permanent resident, pleaded guilty today to charges related to knowingly receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition intended for use in committing a federal terrorism offense.

Court documents reveal that Zada and an accomplice received two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition, fully aware that the weapons would be used in a planned terrorist attack on Election Day in November 2024, carried out on behalf of ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Zada was arrested alongside his co-conspirator, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, another Afghan citizen, in October 2024.

At the time of his arrest, Zada was 17. He entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced accordingly. Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine at sentencing.

As part of the plea agreement, Zada has agreed to be removed from the United States to Afghanistan after completing his sentence, acknowledging that this will end his lawful permanent resident status. He also waived his right to appeal the conviction, except under limited conditions, or to seek relief from his removal, including asylum.

Tawhedi is awaiting trial for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, as well as for the charges of receiving or conspiring to receive a firearm for use in a felony or federal terrorism offense, which carries a potential sentence of 15 years in prison. An indictment is a formal charge, and Tawhedi is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)