DOJ Charges Louisiana Man Linked to October 7 Hamas Attack

BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Justice has just announced the arrest of Louisiana resident Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi, accusing him of participating in the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Al-Muhtadi is alleged to have led a group of armed men crossing from Gaza into southern Israel, contributing to a horrific incident that resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of around 250 individuals, including numerous American citizens.

Al-Muhtadi, who was apprehended on Thursday, is currently being held at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center. According to an unsealed FBI criminal complaint, he fraudulently obtained a U.S. visa by lying about his criminal past. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated on social media that “justice will be served,” hinting at the possibility of transferring Al-Muhtadi to a recently opened immigration detention facility in Louisiana’s maximum security prison.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that her office is continuing to investigate the broader implications of the Hamas attack, vowing to stand with Jewish Americans against anti-Semitism and terrorism. Al-Muhtadi is scheduled to appear in federal court on Friday, though there have been no updates on the hearing thus far. The FBI has declined to provide additional details about the case, citing complications from the ongoing government shutdown.

According to the complaint submitted to a federal judge on October 6, Al-Muhtadi was allegedly in contact with members of the Hamas military wing through his digital footprint, which includes social media interactions, emails, and phone calls. He had previously denied any involvement in terrorist activities during his U.S. visa application process and became a permanent resident in 2024, working at a restaurant in Lafayette, Oklahoma.

The FBI claims that after a call from Hamas’s then-military commander Mohammed Deif urging supporters to join the assault, Al-Muhtadi communicated with his associates, instructing them to “get ready” and “bring the rifles.” He allegedly described the situation as an opportunity for “kidnapping, and it’s a game, which will be a good one,” based on intercepted phone calls reviewed by investigators. His phone was reportedly detected near the Israeli village of Kfar Aza, where dozens were killed and many kidnapped.

If convicted, Al-Muhtadi faces serious charges, including visa fraud and conspiracy to provide support for a foreign terrorist organization, as outlined by the DOJ. This urgent case underscores the ongoing threats posed by domestic operatives linked to international terrorism and raises significant concerns regarding public safety and national security.

As this situation develops, authorities and citizens alike will be watching closely for further updates. The implications of this case could resonate far beyond Louisiana, affecting communities and families across the nation. Stay tuned for more breaking news as information continues to emerge.