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A US federal court has sentenced an Afghan national to 15 years in prison for plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day aimed at the 2024 presidential vote.
Court documents show Abdullah Haji Zada, a US green card holder, acted on behalf of ISIS and knowingly took part in a plan designed to carry out violence on Election Day.
According to prosecutors, Haji Zada attempted to obtain two AK-47-style rifles and around 500 rounds of ammunition.
Investigators confirmed he knew the weapons were meant for use in a terrorist attack targeting the US democratic process.
Evidence presented in court linked his actions to a broader extremist network operating inside the country.
The court ruled that the plot posed a grave threat to public safety and directly targeted democratic institutions.
Judges noted that election-related terrorism is treated as a serious national security offense under US law.
US authorities said the case was uncovered through a coordinated counterterrorism investigation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the suspect conspired “on behalf of ISIS” while holding lawful permanent resident status.
The agency confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations agents led the probe, carried out search warrants, and made the arrest.
ICE said Haji Zada was fully aware that the firearms and ammunition were intended for a “violent 2024 Election Day attack.” Officials stressed that disrupting such plots remains a priority, particularly during national elections.
Authorities also confirmed that once Haji Zada completes his prison sentence, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers will deport him to Afghanistan.
US officials said the case underscores ongoing concerns about extremist infiltration and highlights the role of law enforcement agencies in preventing attacks that threaten public safety and democratic stability.
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