Afghan National Receives 15-Year Sentence for Terror Plot
Abdullah Haji Zada, a 19-year-old Afghan national and U.S. lawful permanent resident, was sentenced on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to 15 years in federal prison. The sentencing comes after Zada's involvement in plotting an Election Day terror attack in the United States on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Zada pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition to be used in a federal crime of terrorism.
Details of the Thwarted Election Day Attack
According to court documents, Zada and a co-conspirator, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 28, also a citizen of Afghanistan, acquired two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition. They intended these weapons for a terrorist attack planned for Election Day in November 2024, targeting large gatherings of people. The plot was inspired by ISIS, with Tawhedi allegedly communicating with an account associated with the militant organization and swearing allegiance to the group. The FBI successfully disrupted the plot before it could be carried out.
Legal Proceedings and Co-Conspirator's Status
Zada was arrested in October 2024, alongside Tawhedi. During his sentencing, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk handed down the statutory maximum of 15 years. Zada has also agreed to be removed from the United States following his release from prison. His co-conspirator, Tawhedi, pleaded guilty on June 13, 2025, to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism. Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years for the material support charge and up to 15 years for the firearms charge, with his sentencing date yet to be set.
Official Statements on the Case
Officials emphasized the gravity of the plot and the commitment to national security. John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, stated, 'Zada was welcomed into the United States and provided with all the opportunities available to residents of our Nation, yet he chose to embrace terrorism and plot an ISIS-inspired attack on Election Day.' He added that the sentence and Zada's eventual removal reflect 'the seriousness of his betrayal and our commitment to using every tool at our disposal to detect and disrupt such plots.' Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division affirmed, 'Detecting and preventing acts of terrorism against the American people is an essential part of the FBI's mission.' Similarly, United States Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma highlighted that the sentence 'reflects the gravity of the planned terrorist attack, which was thwarted by the exceptional work of law enforcement.'
7 Comments
Mariposa
While the 15-year sentence seems appropriate for such a grave offense, it's unsettling that someone welcomed into the country would turn to terrorism. We need to understand the motivations better to prevent future incidents.
Muchacha
Fifteen years is a strong deterrent. Glad they caught him before any harm.
Michelangelo
This sentence won't stop the next one. We need real solutions, not just punishment.
Mariposa
Justice served. Protect our elections at all costs.
Africa
It's a relief the plot was thwarted and the perpetrator sentenced, showing law enforcement's effectiveness. However, his age and resident status raise concerns about how individuals are radicalized within our borders.
Loubianka
Are we really safe if plots like this are still forming? More needs to be done.
Katchuka
What about the co-conspirator? Why isn't his sentence finalized yet?