A key suspect tied to the October 2023 Hamas-led terror assault on Israel, which triggered a prolonged two-year conflict, has been officially charged in a U.S. federal court. This significant development adds another layer to the international tension surrounding the incident.

Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, currently residing in Louisiana, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Lafayette. The charges include conspiracy to support a foreign terrorist organization and committing visa fraud, as reported by KADN.

If found guilty, al-Muhtadi could face a life sentence in the United States, underscoring the gravity of the accusations against him.

Despite these serious allegations, al-Muhtadi has entered a plea of not guilty, according to KADN. The legal proceedings are sure to draw considerable attention given the broader geopolitical implications and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Al-Muhtadi pleaded not guilty to the charges, KADN reported.

The indictment links Al-Muhtadi to Hamas’ attack, which killed roughly 1,200 people. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were also killed in Israel’s military retaliation.

Images from an FBI affidavit show Mahmoud Amin Ya-qub Al-Muhtadi posing with rifles and wearing tactical gear. (FBI affidavit)

Authorities claim Al-Muhtadi trained with a Hamas military group before entering the U.S. on a fake visa. He was working at a restaurant until his arrest last week.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said Al-Muhtadi should face the legal consequences if he is convicted.

An FBI affidavit includes this image showing Mahmoud Amin Ya-qub Al-Muhtadi holding what appears to be a Glock handgun and magazine. (FBI affidavit / U.S. Department of Justice)

“Clearly, he’s a war criminal there. But I think there’s multiple ways to pursue this, and I think that if he is guilty, he should have the full consequences of his actions,” Cassidy said in a statement to KADN.

Al-Muhtadi will remain in custody without bond until his trial. A trial date has not yet been set.