US Authorities Charge Louisiana Resident Over Hamas Links
A Louisiana resident has been accused by US federal prosecutors of assisting Hamas during its 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, according to recently unsealed court documents. The suspect, identified as Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, 33, allegedly joined a paramilitary group that fought alongside Hamas during the assault, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the capture of more than 250 hostages.
The Justice Department announced that al-Muhtadi was arrested in Lafayette, Louisiana, last Thursday. He now faces multiple terrorism-related charges, including providing or attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and visa fraud.
Accused of Joining Hamas-Aligned Fighters
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) complaint, al-Muhtadi was allegedly an operative of the National Resistance Brigades (NRB) — the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) — which has been involved in militant operations against Israel.
Investigators say that on October 7, 2023, al-Muhtadi armed himself and coordinated a group of fighters to cross into Israeli territory. Court documents allege that he sent messages urging others to bring rifles, ammunition, and bulletproof vests, and took part in the early stages of the Hamas-led incursion.
Prosecutors say his phone was later traced near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the communities devastated by Hamas fighters during the attack, where dozens of civilians were killed.
Alleged Fraudulent Entry into the United States
A year after the deadly assault, al-Muhtadi allegedly entered the United States using fraudulent documents and ultimately secured permanent resident status. Authorities claim he falsely denied any involvement in terrorist or militant activities on his US visa application.
After arriving in the US, al-Muhtadi reportedly lived in several states before settling in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked at a local restaurant.
The Justice Department confirmed that he was taken into custody after investigators uncovered links between his activities in Gaza and his entry into the United States.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Al-Muhtadi faces charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, attempting to provide support, and conspiring to do so. He also faces charges of fraud and misuse of visas or other immigration documents.
During his initial court appearance in the Western District of Louisiana on Friday, the 33-year-old was provided with an interpreter. When asked if he understood the charges, he reportedly said:
“Yes, but there are a lot of things mentioned here that are so false. I’m innocent,”
according to a report by The New York Times.
The court documents did not accuse al-Muhtadi of carrying out any specific killings during the attack, but federal authorities believe he played an active role in arming and organizing militants.
Ongoing Investigations and Broader Context
US prosecutors have previously charged senior Hamas operatives for the deaths of American citizens in the 7 October assault, which sparked the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Since the attack, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 67,900 people, according to figures released by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The United Nations continues to cite these figures as broadly reliable, though independent verification remains difficult due to restricted access to the region.
The conflict has since escalated into one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in the region’s history, drawing widespread condemnation and urgent calls for a ceasefire from international organizations and human rights groups.
US Authorities Reinforce Counterterrorism Efforts
The Justice Department said the arrest underscores America’s ongoing efforts to prevent individuals with militant ties from entering or residing in the country. Federal prosecutors emphasized that national security investigations related to the 7 October attack are still underway.
“This case demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to holding accountable anyone who supports terrorist organizations or attempts to deceive the US government to gain entry,” a department spokesperson said.
If convicted, al-Muhtadi could face decades in federal prison for terrorism-related charges and additional penalties for visa fraud.
Diplomatic and Security Implications
The case comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East and growing scrutiny of foreign fighters and sympathizers connected to the Hamas attack. US officials have pledged to tighten background checks and enhance intelligence sharing with allies to prevent further infiltration by militants or their supporters.
Security analysts say the arrest highlights the global reach of militant networks and the challenges nations face in tracking individuals who operate across borders using false identities and forged documents.
As investigations continue, US authorities are expected to pursue further leads regarding foreign nationals linked to the 7 October assault, while reaffirming their commitment to counterterrorism operations both domestically and abroad.
