'My own backyard’: Neighbors react to arrest in foiled Election Day terrorist plot

MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) — Some Moore neighbors of a co-conspirator accused of helping a man arrested Tuesday for a foiled Election Day terrorism plot say they’re shocked.

Court documents say Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi and the co-conspirator were trying to sell some of his family’s personal property.

The DOJ says Tawhedi resettled his family members and also bought AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition in preparation for the planned attack.

Part of the plans to liquidate assets included the sale of a Moore home.

The sale of the home is currently pending. News 4 reached out to the real estate agency connected to the sale; and received the following statement (which has been edited to exclude the actual address.)

I am completely shocked to learn through the news of the charges against the home owners. I do not have further comment at this time.

Bailee Edwards, Bailee & Co Real Estate 

Neighbors living near that address told News 4 Tuesday they noticed a swarm of local and federal authorities in the area for several hours Monday; blocking off the street.

"They were just everywhere,” said Zora Chapman. “It was crazy.”

“I came outside and there were, you know, about 10 or 12 cop cars,” said Kameron Karanouh. “They blocked off the whole road and the FBI was pulled up and they were pretty much there all day.”

Several neighbors, including Karanouh, pointed out strange behavior from the people living inside of the home of the co-conspirator. 

“I’ve seen them a couple of times, the neighbors, kind of strange,” said Karanouh. “Kind of didn’t interact well through the neighborhood.”

They also noted strange incidents of car parts scattered in front of the yard and cardboard.

“It’s definitely scary that people are planning on doing stuff like that,” said Karanouh. “And it's happening, you know, in my own backyard, essentially.”

There was late reaction Tuesday as well from state and federal leaders, including Governor Kevin Stitt below:

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our investigators and law enforcement officers for successfully uncovering and stopping this terrorist plot before innocent lives were put in danger. This is a powerful example of how the information-sharing measures we implemented between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are making a real difference. Those who seek to harm our nation, threaten our freedoms, and disrupt our way of life will be held accountable and face the full force of the law.

Governor Kevin Stitt