Read, Watch or Listen

Federal authorities say Louisiana resident Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al‑Muhtadi joined the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led assault on Israel, arming himself and coordinating a group that crossed from Gaza, according to a newly unsealed FBI complaint. Investigators cite phone pings near Kfar Aza and calls urging associates to “bring the rifles” and discussing kidnapping. The FBI says he later lied on a visa application, became a legal permanent resident in 2024, and moved from Tulsa to Lafayette. Discovered by Joint Task Force October 7, he faces potential visa-fraud and terrorism-support charges and a court appearance Friday.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.