Louisiana Man Arrested for Supporting Hamas in Deadly Israel Attack

New Orleans: The FBI has arrested a Louisiana resident for allegedly aiding Hamas in the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, according to federal authorities. Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub Al-Muhtadi is accused of arming himself, coordinating with a paramilitary group, and organizing a team to cross from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel during the attack that claimed over 1,200 lives. The FBI stated that Al-Muhtadi’s actions contributed to one of the deadliest assaults on Israeli civilians in recent history, which also included the kidnapping of more than 250 people, including several Americans.

The FBI’s criminal complaint details that Al-Muhtadi was affiliated with the Gaza-based military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and maintained a years-long connection with Hamas-aligned paramilitary forces. According to the FBI, Al-Muhtadi instructed associates to “get ready” and “bring the rifles” for the incursion, referring to kidnapping as “a game” and coordinating logistics and ammunition. The FBI also traced his phone during the attack near Kfar Aza, an Israeli village heavily affected by the assault. The agency emphasized that Al-Muhtadi lied on his U.S. visa application, claiming no prior involvement in paramilitary activity, and illegally obtained permanent residency in 2024.

Al-Muhtadi, who initially lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before relocating to Lafayette in mid-2025, reportedly worked in local restaurants while maintaining contact with his paramilitary network. The FBI revealed that Al-Muhtadi ignored warnings from associates to refrain from social media activity related to Hamas, posting pictures and statements that aligned with the organization. The arrest comes amid ongoing investigations into the murder and kidnapping of American citizens during the October 2023 attacks, with authorities warning that Al-Muhtadi could face charges for visa fraud and conspiring to support a foreign terrorist organization.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the attack and reaffirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting individuals responsible for terrorism and violence against Americans. “We remain dedicated to finding and prosecuting those responsible for that horrific day, including the murder of dozens of American citizens,” Bondi said, highlighting the gravity of Al-Muhtadi’s alleged actions. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also commented on the arrest, stating on X that Al-Muhtadi might become “Louisiana Lockup’s newest resident” in the state’s maximum-security immigration detention facility.

The FBI’s investigation revealed alarming coordination by Al-Muhtadi, who allegedly directed a group into Israel to participate in killings and kidnappings. Authorities continue to scrutinize his communications and movements within the U.S., emphasizing that he concealed his paramilitary involvement when applying for his visa in Cairo in June 2024. The case underscores ongoing concerns about foreign terrorist operatives using the U.S. as a base while maintaining ties with militant groups abroad.

As Al-Muhtadi faces federal charges, the FBI continues to collaborate with international partners to ensure accountability for the October 7, 2023, attack. Authorities have stressed the importance of vigilance against individuals who attempt to exploit U.S. residency to coordinate or facilitate acts of terrorism abroad. Al-Muhtadi’s arrest marks a critical step in addressing cross-border terrorism and highlights the broader efforts of U.S. law enforcement to prevent support for foreign terrorist organizations.