Lawmakers are raising new concerns about potential terror threats after the arrest of an Afghan national accused of planning an Election Day attack. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., highlighted issues with the vetting process for foreign nationals, expressing worries about the rushed entry of individuals following the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Sen. Mullin emphasized the need for proper vetting procedures, citing the case of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who was charged with conspiring to support ISIS and planning a terrorist act on U.S. soil. Tawhedi, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021, allegedly used his family's assets to fund his activities, including purchasing firearms and arranging travel for his family back to Afghanistan.
FBI Director Christopher Wray underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating that Tawhedi was motivated by ISIS ideology. Tawhedi's case has raised questions about the effectiveness of the screening process for individuals entering the country.
Authorities clarified that Tawhedi initially entered the U.S. via humanitarian parole and later applied for special immigrant status. Despite undergoing multiple screenings, Tawhedi's radicalization post-entry has raised concerns about the potential presence of other individuals with similar intentions.
The incident has prompted a reevaluation of the vetting process for foreign nationals, with a focus on identifying vulnerabilities and potential threats. Lawmakers are calling for enhanced measures to prevent individuals with malicious intent from entering the country and posing a risk to national security.
