Federal prosecutors have charged Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, a 33-year-old from Louisiana, with serious offenses related to the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. He is accused of not only participating in the violence but also of entering the United States using a fake visa application.
A recently unsealed criminal complaint reveals that al-Muhtadi played an active role in the attack. He allegedly organized armed fighters in Gaza and even crossed into Israel right after the initial assault began. Messages from that morning show him instructing others to prepare for battle, asking for weapons, and specifically requesting bulletproof vests and ammunition. One chilling message urged, “If you have a full magazine, bring it to me.”
Evidence from the FBI indicates that al-Muhtadi’s phone connected to an Israeli cell tower during the attack, suggesting he was in the vicinity when a kibbutz was attacked, resulting in the deaths of around 60 people, including American citizens. Although he has not been charged with murder, his presence near the massacre and his communication with those involved raise serious concerns.
What adds to the alarm is how he managed to enter the United States. Al-Muhtadi applied for an immigrant visa under a different name, claiming no ties to terrorism. He arrived in the U.S. through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in September 2024. After his arrival, he shared photos on social media, including one where he was holding a Glock pistol. By May 2025, he was located in Lafayette, Louisiana, working at a restaurant when authorities arrested him.
The complaint also highlights that al-Muhtadi is connected to the National Resistance Brigades, the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). This group has a notorious history of violence against Israelis and has collaborated with Hamas in various attacks, including the one on October 7.
Despite being classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department in the past, the DFLP was quietly removed from this designation, allegedly due to its diminishing influence. This group has been involved in some of the most brutal attacks in Israel’s history, including the Ma’alot Massacre in 1974, where 27 people, including 22 children, were killed.
The situation raises significant questions about security measures regarding visa applications and the vetting process for individuals entering the United States. As the case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing complexities of terrorism and national security in a world where threats can emerge from unexpected places.
