Election Day Terror Plot Linked to ISIS Suspects, No Ties to Catholic Charities

OKLAHOMA CITY – In light of the October 8, 2024 news regarding an election day terror plot, allegedly perpetrated by an Afghan national and a juvenile, Catholic Charities holds up in prayer those involved, especially our dedicated law enforcement professionals, and are thankful this plot was discovered well in advance, before anyone was hurt. Whatever the facts may bear out about this detained individual, these concerns should not broadly reflect upon the refugee community as a whole.
 
Patrick Raglow, executive director, states, “Upon reviewing our records, the individual named in the plot was not among those served by any Catholic Charities. Our national affiliate, also thoroughly reviewed their records and the defendant is not among those served through the national network, including, as already noted, our Catholic Charities agency in Oklahoma.”
 
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City participates in refugee and immigration services only for those who officially qualify for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, primarily served by Reception and Placement (R&P) assistance.
 
“In our decades of service, Catholic Charities has been involved in placing refugee individuals and families in Western Oklahoma,” according to Patrick Raglow, “many of which have become civic leaders, opened businesses, and contributed greatly to the leadership and cultural diversity of our community.
 
“Catholic Charities welcomes refugees into the safe and thriving communities in which we, our families, and loved ones also live, work, go to school, and more,” according to Patrick Raglow. “Our arrivals are often fleeing violence and are grateful to join stable and peaceful communities, hope to raise their children in a safe environment while contributing their gifts to the neighborhoods in which they live.”

Since 1912, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has served as a major private provider of social services to Oklahoma families in the Western parts of the state. It works alongside public and private organizations to help meet the basic needs of those who have the least. Catholic Charities advocates for public policy that will promote the common good on behalf of those whose voices are not heard, responding to changing community needs, providing comprehensive social services to children, families, pregnant women, elderly, immigrants, and refugees seeking a new life free of persecution. Catholic Charities assists the poor and vulnerable regardless of religious affiliation, race, or national origin.