Introduction to the Case
A 30-year-old Afghan citizen, Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, has been charged in federal court in Fort Worth for making threats on social media to build a bomb and kill people in a suicide attack. According to an unsealed complaint, Alokozay made these threats on a November 23 video call with others while sitting in his car. The video was shared on multiple social media accounts, including TikTok, X, and Facebook.
The Charges Against Alokozay
Alokozay has been charged with transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce. He remains in custody as he awaits his initial federal court appearance. If convicted, Alokozay faces up to five years in federal prison. Additionally, he is charged in Tarrant County with making a terroristic threat, as shown in court records.
The Investigation and Arrest
The video of the threat was shared on social media platforms, and the FBI was notified on November 25 by the Texas Department of Public Safety. In the video, Alokozay said he would build a bomb in his vehicle using materials acquired in the U.S. and conduct a suicide attack on those on the call, as well as Americans and "infidels." He also referred to a particular yellow cooking oil container favored by the Taliban in building improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan. Alokozay stated that the Taliban "were dear to him" and cursed and threatened those on the call, saying he came to the U.S. to kill and was unafraid of being deported or killed.
The Role of Facial Recognition Technology
State law enforcement authorities used facial recognition technology and Alokozay’s driver’s license photo to identify him. They learned that he lived in Fort Worth and had registered at least two vehicles in Texas. The FBI also discovered that Alokozay was employed in Haslet. On the morning of November 25, federal agents conducted surveillance on his home and later arrested him on his way to work.
Alokozay’s Statement to the FBI
Alokozay agreed to speak with an FBI agent using an interpreter and said he was contacted by people who had watched the video on social media the day after it was posted. He responded by deleting his TikTok application from his phone, although it was unclear if he actually deleted his TikTok account.
Connection to Operation Allies Welcome
Alokozay entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that began in 2021. This program evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, bringing roughly 76,000 people to the United States. Many of these individuals had worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators.
Reaction from Authorities
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould in Dallas stated, "We have zero tolerance for violence and threats of violence to kill American citizens and others like those allegedly made by this individual. Those individuals who jeopardize the public safety and security of North Texas residents will be swiftly brought to justice." U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi blamed the prior administration for the Alokozay incident, saying, "The public safety threat created by the Biden administration’s vetting breakdown cannot be overstated. The Department of Justice will continue working with our federal and state partners to protect the American people from the prior administration’s dangerous incompetence."
Related Incidents
Alokozay’s case is not isolated. He entered the U.S. under the same program as the 29-year-old suspect in the November 27 Washington, D.C., shooting that killed one West Virginia National Guard member and critically injured another. The suspect in that case was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died after the shooting, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration and crime-fighting plan.
This screenshot of a video chat is alleged to depict Mohammad Dawood Alokozay making threats.
Conclusion
The case of Mohammad Dawood Alokozay highlights the importance of vigilance and thorough vetting in ensuring public safety. The incident also underscores the complexities and challenges associated with resettling individuals from conflict zones. As the U.S. continues to navigate issues of national security, immigration, and counterterrorism, cases like Alokozay’s serve as reminders of the delicate balance between protecting national interests and upholding the values of compassion and hospitality.
FAQs
Q: What were the charges against Mohammad Dawood Alokozay?
A: Alokozay was charged with transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce and faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted. He is also charged in Tarrant County with making a terroristic threat.
Q: How was Alokozay identified?
A: State law enforcement authorities used facial recognition technology and Alokozay’s driver’s license photo to identify him.
Q: What program did Alokozay enter the U.S. under?
A: Alokozay entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that began in 2021 to evacuate and resettle Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Q: Is Alokozay’s case related to other incidents?
A: Yes, Alokozay’s case is connected to the November 27 Washington, D.C., shooting that killed one West Virginia National Guard member and critically injured another, as both individuals entered the U.S. under the same program.
Q: What is the current status of Alokozay’s case?
A: Alokozay remains in custody awaiting his initial federal court appearance.
