US prosecutors have accused a Louisiana resident of participating in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, with recently unsealed court documents revealing his alleged role in coordinating fighters and subsequent arrest for visa fraud. This case underscores ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and highlights concerns over security vetting processes.
Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, 33, faces charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and committing visa fraud. According to the FBI complaint, he armed himself and joined a paramilitary group that fought alongside Hamas during the assault that killed approximately 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. The documents allege he coordinated a group of armed fighters to cross from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, asking associates to bring rifles and ammunition. His phone was tracked near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a site where dozens were killed and kidnapped, providing key evidence for the case.
Al-Muhtadi is identified as an operative of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which allied with Hamas in the attack. The complaint details his involvement in paramilitary activities, including firearms training, and notes that on the morning of October 7, he urged his group to ‘get ready’ and described the situation as a ‘game’ that would be ‘a good one.’ These communications, reviewed by investigators, paint a picture of active participation in the violence that unfolded.
After the attack, al-Muhtadi traveled to the United States, submitting a visa application in June 2024 in which he denied any involvement in terrorist activities or paramilitary organizations. He became a legal permanent resident and entered the U.S. in September 2024, initially living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before relocating to Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked in a local restaurant. The FBI says he was under surveillance for months, with an agent meeting him repeatedly from July to September 2025.
Al-Muhtadi was arrested on October 17, 2025, and appeared in federal court in Louisiana the following day. During the hearing, he pleaded not guilty through an interpreter, asserting that many allegations were false and maintaining his innocence. No attorney was listed for him in initial court filings, and he remains in custody at St. Martin Parish Correctional Center pending further proceedings. The Justice Department emphasized its dedication to prosecuting those responsible for the attack, which included the deaths of American citizens.
This case is part of broader U.S. initiatives to address terrorism and enhance national security. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the department’s commitment to standing against anti-Semitism and terrorism, while Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry suggested al-Muhtadi might be sent to a state immigration detention facility. The unsealing of the documents this week has drawn attention to the international dimensions of the conflict and the challenges in vetting visa applicants with potential extremist ties.
The allegations raise questions about the effectiveness of immigration controls and the ability to prevent individuals with militant backgrounds from entering the country. As investigations continue, this case may influence policy discussions on border security and counterterrorism cooperation. The FBI’s task force on the October 7 attack remains active, seeking to uncover further connections and ensure justice for victims and their families.