U.S. officials believe the Afghan national accused of planning the Election Day terrorist attack became radicalized two years after coming to the United States on humanitarian parole as part of Operation Welcome Allies.
Nasir Ahmad Tauhedi began the legal parole extension process in August 2023, at which point he cleared another review and examination adjudicated through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Fox reported. I found out on the news.
Afghan nationals accused of terrorist plots were not reviewed for SIV certification, despite Biden administration’s past claims
He was previously tested in September 2021 when he was paroled into the United States by the Department of Homeland Security as part of Operation Welcoming Allies.
Officials said no derogatory information was missed at either point and believe none existed at the time.
It wasn’t until August 2024 that derogatory information about Taewedi was simultaneously identified by federal law enforcement partners and DHS’ external recurrence review system. When Tawedi appeared on federal law enforcement’s radar, the relapse review system also alerted him, and DHS was already in contact with the FBI at the local level.
U.S. authorities acted swiftly on the disparaging information and also informed French authorities that Mr. Taewedi’s relatives were discussing a similar planned attack in France.
ISIS terror plot in Afghanistan: Biden administration officials slam as lawmakers seek answers
Last weekend, French authorities arrested a 22-year-old Afghan national, a relative of Tauhedi, on suspicion of planning an ISIS-inspired attack in France.
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The FBI shared this statement with FOX News’ David Spant regarding France’s arrest, saying, “The recent arrests by France and the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office are an important part of our partnership to detect and thwart potential terrorist attacks.” The FBI’s top priority is to prevent acts of terrorism, and we are committed to working with our foreign and U.S. partners to uncover plots and protect communities from violence. are. ”