FBI arrests alleged pro-Hamas Oct. 7 attacker living in Louisiana
Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub Al-Muhtadi, shown on the left, "crossed into Israel with the intention of assisting in Hamas's terrorist attack," on Oct. 7, 2023, according to an unsealed affidavit. (U.S. Department of Justice.)
Posted For: MugsMalone
The FBI has arrested a Palestinian national living in Louisiana who allegedly took part in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.
According to federal authorities, Mahmoud Amin Ya-qub Al-Muhtadi, a resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, is charged with violating terrorism laws by assisting — or attempting to assist — a designated foreign terrorist organization. He also faces charges of visa fraud and misuse of official documents.
Court records state that Al-Muhtadi is accused of being a member of Hamas as well as the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine’s armed wing, known as the National Resistance Brigades (NRB). Investigators allege he commanded or coordinated NRB fighters who joined Hamas units during the deadly incursion into Israel.
“Evidence shows that on the morning of October 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi learned about the Hamas invasion, armed himself, gathered others, and crossed into Israel with the intention of assisting in Hamas’s terrorist attack,” the affidavit reads.
Cell tower data allegedly placed his phone inside Israel near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the sites of the Hamas-led massacre. Prosecutors say he was also captured in intercepted communications discussing the movement of fighters and weapons, and was recorded celebrating the kidnappings that took place that morning.
Photographs and videos from the time of the attack reportedly show Al-Muhtadi in combat gear, carrying weapons, and standing alongside armed militants, sometimes wearing NRB insignia and Hamas-style headbands. He is also accused of posting messages online praising and justifying the violence.
Court filings reveal that shortly after the assault began, at 6:34 a.m. on October 7, Al-Muhtadi received a social media message from an associate reading, “I see war.” Moments later, the same individual added, “Hell opened its gates. It is very chaotic, and there will be no end this time. It will end in a good way,” according to prosecutors.
Roughly an hour later, that individual sent another message: “Hilux trucks inside the settlements,” referring to the vehicles used by Hamas attackers. Minutes after that, Al-Muhtadi allegedly received a video depicting a Hamas paraglider flying toward Israel.
In addition to terrorism-related offenses, Al-Muhtadi is accused of lying on his U.S. visa application to hide his ties to terrorist organizations. The affidavit states that he obtained a green card in 2024 through the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, falsely claiming that he intended to live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and work in “car repairs or food services.”
Records from U.S. Customs and Border Protection show that Al-Muhtadi entered the United States on September 12, 2024, through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Federal agents say that false statements on his visa allowed him to gain lawful permanent resident status and settle in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Al-Muhtadi is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Friday morning, according to reports.
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