An Afghan woman accused of supporting a planned mass shooting has been removed from the United States. The case marks the first time the special US Alien Terrorist Removal Court has been used since its creation.
Nazira Haji Zada, 47, was removed from the United States on August 25. The decision came from the Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC) in Washington.
The Department of Justice said Zada had lived in the United States since arriving in 2018. She was accused of supporting a planned attack in the country.
Special US Terror Court Used for First Time
Congress established the ATRC around 30 years ago. However, authorities had never previously used the special court.
According to the Department of Justice, Zada accepted the allegations against her and waived her right to appeal.
The department said Zada “conceded that she is an alien terrorist and waived appeal of the removal order.”
Attorney General Todd Blanche described the case as a significant development for national security and federal law.
“This landmark case, resulting in the prompt removal of this alien terrorist to her country of origin, is a win for national security and the rule of law,” Blanche said.
He also highlighted the court’s first-ever case.
“This first-ever case before the ATRC shows how the Department will use every tool at its disposal to protect our country.”
Zada’s Son Pleaded Guilty to Attack Plot
The case is linked to Zada’s son, Abdullah Haji Zada, and his alleged involvement in an attack plot.
Abdullah Haji Zada pleaded guilty alongside Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi. The pair admitted plotting an attack on US election day in 2024.
Prosecutors said the planned attack was carried out on behalf of the Islamic State.
Abdullah was 17 when authorities arrested him. He later received a 15-year prison sentence in 2025.
Meanwhile, Tawhedi is still awaiting sentencing in the case.
Pair Bought Rifles and Ammunition
Court documents said Abdullah and Tawhedi obtained weapons for the planned attack.
The pair purchased two AK-47 rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition. They bought the weapons from an undercover FBI employee.
According to court documents, the weapons were intended for a “mass-casualty attack.”
Zada’s removal therefore followed a case involving allegations connected to the wider attack plot. Her case also became the first matter heard by the ATRC since Congress created the court.
The development puts the rarely used special court under renewed attention. It also marks the first removal order issued through the ATRC.
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