An Afghan national, legally residing in the United States, has been handed a 15-year prison sentence for his role in a thwarted Election Day terror plot. 19-year-old Abdullah Haji Zada, originally from Afghanistan, received the statutory maximum sentence for attempting to commit a federal crime of terrorism, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Caught with two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition, Zada was arrested back in October 2024, planning an attack motivated by allegiance to ISIS, a recognized foreign terrorist organization. Zada's co-conspirator, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, aged 28, also a citizen of Afghanistan, has pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offenses and awaits sentencing. Zada, 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult on April 17, understood the gravity of conspiring to receive and use the weapons in an Election Day assault on U.S. soil.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg underscored the betrayal, stating that "Zada was welcomed into the United States," and yet made a dangerous turn towards violence and terror. FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater praised the swift action of the local Joint Terrorism Task Force, who were immediately disturbed upon uncovering the plot's details. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never relent in our fight against terrorism, and in protecting the American people from those who wish them harm," Goodwater stated, praising the united front keeping American citizens from harm, according to the press release.
For his crimes, Zada has waived his right to appeal or seek relief from deportation, agreeing to a judicial order of removal from the U.S. to Afghanistan after serving his sentence. This stipulation will also terminate his status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. Informing the public of Zada's fate, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk stressed the seriousness of the offense during the sentencing hearing, echoing sentiments on the need for just punishment and deterrence for such criminal activities.
The case was investigated by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office's Joint Terrorism Task Force, supported by numerous law enforcement and community safety agencies. Prosecutors for the case included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon, with additional support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman. The investigation is a testament to the collaborative efforts aimed at maintaining national security and preventing acts of terrorism within the United States, as the diligent work of the experienced officers and attorneys has demonstrated, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
