U.S. Sentences Afghan Man to 15 Years for Plotting Election Day Terror Attack

Islamabad – A U.S. federal court has sentenced Afghan-born Abdullah Hajizadah to 15 years in prison for planning a terrorist attack on the day of the November 2024 elections. After completing his sentence, the 19-year-old — who was a permanent U.S. resident — will be deported.

According to U.S. media, the court issued the maximum sentence allowed for the charges. Prosecutors revealed that Hajizadah, along with his associate Nasir Ahmad Tohidi, had purchased two AK-47–style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition as part of their plan. The weapons were intended for use in a major ISIS-led attack during the 2024 U.S. elections.

However, law enforcement officers arrested both individuals in October 2024 — a month before the planned attack — while they were preparing for the operation.

Senior officials from the U.S. Department of Justice stated that although the U.S. had provided Hajizadah with security and employment opportunities, he chose a path of terrorism. Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division, John Eisenberg, said the plot amounted to “a grave betrayal of the United States,” and the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime.

Donald Holstead, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, said the arrests prevented a major attack and saved thousands of lives.

Hajizadah was only 17 at the time of his arrest but pleaded guilty as an adult in 2025 under a plea agreement that includes accepting deportation after serving his sentence. He also waived his right to appeal both the sentence and deportation order.

His accomplice, 27-year-old Nasir Ahmad Tohidi, pleaded guilty in June 2025 to two major terrorism-related charges: attempting to provide support to ISIS and purchasing weapons intended for use in a terrorist act. Tohidi faces a potential prison sentence of up to 35 years and will also be deported after completing his term. His sentencing is still pending.