OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, today issued a statement asking all law enforcement to increase public safety efforts at all polling places throughout the state during the upcoming general election.

The call comes after the Federal Bureau of Investigation's recent arrest of an Afghan national who the bureau said was planning an Election Day terrorist attack. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old man who had been living in Oklahoma City, told the FBI he and his brother-in-law planned to target “large gatherings of people” Nov. 5, according to an affidavit filed by federal agents in court.

"I know our state election officials are working overtime to ensure poll workers and everyone planning to vote are safe in our upcoming elections," Ford said. "But as a former police officer, I just want to urge other law enforcement officers to be extra diligent during this time.

"I'm grateful to the men and women in the FBI, whose hard work and alertness stopped this plot. I'm confident they and other law enforcement will be just as thorough in the coming weeks to monitor suspicious activity and thwart any further threat. I deeply appreciate those who work so hard daily to protect us and keep our state safe.

"We must ensure people feel safe and secure as they exercise this important right."

Ford served as a police officer for over 25 years with the Tulsa Police Department.