Republican Senators, led by Rand Paul, are investigating the Biden administration regarding two Afghan nationals arrested in Oklahoma for allegedly planning a terrorist attack on Election Day. The main suspect, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, entered the U.S. on a special immigrant visa after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. He was accused of promoting ISIS propaganda, funding ISIS-related charities, and purchasing weapons for a potential attack.
Senators Scott, Lankford, and Marshall joined Paul in demanding answers from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Republicans expressed concerns about the failure of the screening and vetting processes under the current administration, allowing individuals with criminal and terrorist ties to exploit the system.
The letter sent to Mayorkas requested detailed information about the immigration statuses and criminal histories of Tawhedi and his co-conspirator, as well as any communications between federal agencies regarding the suspects. The senators emphasized the urgency of understanding the scope of these security breaches to protect American lives.
The Department of Homeland Security did not provide an immediate response to the Republicans’ demands. Tawhedi’s arrest less than a month before Election Day has raised alarm bells about potential threats to national security during the upcoming presidential contest.
The investigation by Republican lawmakers underscores growing concerns about the effectiveness of DHS in safeguarding the homeland. The incident involving the Afghan nationals adds to a series of security breaches that highlight vulnerabilities in the current system.
As the Senate committee continues to press for answers, the Biden administration faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of immigration and national security issues. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for future policies and protocols aimed at preventing terrorist threats on U.S. soil.