US resident arrested for alleged role in Israel Hamas attack
What's the story
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub Al-Muhtadi, a Louisiana resident, for his alleged involvement in Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, and lying on his visa form application. The FBI's criminal complaint against him was unsealed this week. It states that Al-Muhtadi armed himself and organized a group to cross from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel during the deadly assault, which killed over 1,200 people.
Charges explained
Al-Muhtadi accused of lying on US visa application
The complaint, submitted to a federal judge on October 6, 2025, alleges that Al-Muhtadi was an operative of the Gaza-based military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine. He is accused of lying on his US visa application by denying any involvement in terrorist activities. The FBI claims he could face charges for visa fraud and conspiring to support a foreign terrorist organization.
Arrest details
He became a legal permanent resident in 2024
Al-Muhtadi was arrested on Thursday, October 16, according to the Justice Department. He became a legal permanent resident of the US in 2024. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the department is committed to prosecuting those responsible for the attack, including the murders of "dozens of American citizens." According to AP, inmate records confirm that someone with Al-Muhtadi's name and age is being held at St. Martin Parish Correctional Center near Lafayette.
Social media scrutiny
Al-Muhtadi had long association with Hamas-aligned paramilitary group
The FBI found that Al-Muhtadi had a long association with a "Hamas-aligned paramilitary group" through his social media and email accounts. On October 7, 2023, after the attack on Israel, he allegedly told associates to "get ready" and "bring the rifles." His phone records show it pinged near Kfar Aza, an Israeli village, during the attack. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry hinted at Al-Muhtadi possibly being sent to an immigration detention wing in Louisiana's maximum security prison.
Visa details
Visa details and surveillance warning
In June 2024, Al-Muhtadi applied for a US visa in Cairo, denying any paramilitary service or terrorist activities. He entered the US in September 2024 and lived in Tulsa before moving to Lafayette by early June. According to the FBI, an associate advised Al-Muhtadi not to contact anyone from his paramilitary group due to surveillance, but he insisted he could post whatever he wanted on social media without fear.