FBI Accuses Louisiana Resident of Ties to Hamas Assault on Israel
The FBI has arrested a Palestinian man in Louisiana for his alleged involvement in the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and left hundreds injured.
According to a federal criminal complaint unsealed this week, the suspect — identified as Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi — was part of a group that crossed from Gaza into southern Israel during the coordinated assault.
The complaint, filed by FBI Supervisory Special Agent Alexandria M. Thoman O’Donnell, claims that Al-Muhtadi armed himself and encouraged others to join the attack. O’Donnell is part of a task force investigating the murder and kidnapping of American citizens that took place during the Hamas invasion.
Alleged Involvement and Fraudulent Entry into the US
The FBI alleges that Al-Muhtadi was an operative of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), a Gaza-based militant faction aligned with Hamas. Despite his background, he allegedly entered the United States by lying on his visa application.
In June 2024, Al-Muhtadi submitted a visa application in Cairo, denying any links to terrorist organizations. He claimed his intention was to live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and work in “car repairs or food services.” He entered the US in September 2024 and later moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked at a local restaurant.
The FBI accuses him of visa fraud and conspiracy to support a foreign terrorist organization. Al-Muhtadi was arrested on Thursday and is currently being held at St. Martin Parish Correctional Center, near Lafayette.
Government and FBI Response
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the attack and reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to justice.
“We remain dedicated to finding and prosecuting those responsible for that horrific day, including the murder of dozens of American citizens,” Bondi said.
“We will continue to stand by Jewish Americans and the Jewish community worldwide against antisemitism and terrorism.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also commented on the arrest in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing,
“Justice will be served. Perhaps this is Louisiana Lockup’s newest resident?”
He referred to a new immigration detention wing at Louisiana’s maximum-security prison.
FBI Findings and Surveillance Details
According to the FBI’s investigation, Al-Muhtadi’s social media and email accounts revealed long-term affiliations with Hamas-aligned groups. Evidence showed his participation in firearms training and communication with known militants.
Phone records reviewed by the FBI indicate that during the October 7 attack, Al-Muhtadi’s phone pinged near Kfar Aza, an Israeli village where dozens were killed and several kidnapped.
The complaint also cites phone conversations in which Al-Muhtadi allegedly told associates to “bring rifles” and “get ready.” He reportedly said, “There is kidnapping, and it’s a game, which will be a good one.”
Despite being under surveillance, Al-Muhtadi reportedly told an associate that he could “post whatever he wanted”, including pictures supporting Hamas.
Next Steps
Al-Muhtadi was scheduled to appear in federal court on Friday. As of now, no attorney has been identified to represent him.
The FBI and the Department of Justice have not provided additional details, citing the ongoing investigation and partial government shutdown.
The case highlights growing US efforts to track down foreign nationals linked to Hamas and other militant groups, especially those accused of participating in or supporting the October 7 attack on Israel.
