Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Abdullah Haji Zada, an Afghan national and U.S. lawful permanent resident, pleaded guilty in Oklahoma City to charges related to a plot to conduct an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on Election Day in November 2024. Zada, who was 17 when arrested, admits to receiving firearms and ammunition intended for this purpose.
According to the court documents, Zada and a co-conspirator, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, acquired two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition for the planned attack. Zada faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. His plea agreement includes a judicial order of removal to Afghanistan, terminating his permanent resident status in the U.S. Zada waived his right to appeal his conviction or his removal and deportation.
Tawhedi, also a citizen of Afghanistan, awaits trial related to providing material support to ISIS, which may result in a 20-year prison sentence, and firearms charges, with up to 15 years if convicted. Until proven guilty, Tawhedi is considered innocent.
The announcement of the plea was made by Sue J. Bai of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, and David J. Scott, Assistant Director of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case. This includes agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry, Matt Dillon, Everett McMillian, and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy.
