The FBI has apprehended an individual in Louisiana who is suspected of participating in Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Mahmoud Amin Ya-qub Al-Muhtadi, who resides in Lafayette, Louisiana, faces charges of breaching terrorism laws by allegedly supporting or attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization. His involvement in the Hamas-led assault on Israel forms the basis of these accusations, as outlined in an affidavit. Additionally, he is charged with visa fraud and the improper use of permits and other official documents.

The affidavit further alleges that Al-Muhtadi is affiliated with Hamas and the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), known as the National Resistance Brigades (NRB). He is accused of directing or coordinating NRB fighters who collaborated with Hamas operatives during the attack.

According to an unsealed affidavit, Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi, pictured left, reportedly “crossed into Israel with the intention of aiding Hamas’s terrorist activities” on October 7, 2023. (Justice Department)

The affidavit suggests that on the morning of October 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi became aware of the Hamas incursion, armed himself, gathered a group, and entered Israel with the intent of supporting the terrorist assault.

Cell tower data placed his phone inside Israel near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the sites where Hamas and its supporters carried out a brutal massacre.

He was also captured in multiple intercepted calls and recordings talking about moving fighters and arms into Israel and was recorded celebrating the kidnappings that occurred that morning.

Evidence also allegedly showed him in photographs and videos taken around the time of the attack, in combat gear, carrying weapons and standing with armed militants, sometimes wearing NRB insignia and Hamas-style headbands. He also praised and justified the violence on social media and in messages after the fact, including posts celebrating Hamas’s actions and referencing the “liberation of occupied land.”

Almost immediately after Hamas’s attack began, at 6:34 a.m., Al-Muhtadi received a social media message from an individual that read, “I see war,” according to court documents.

An FBI affidavit includes this image showing Mahmoud Amin Ya-qub Al-Muhtadi holding what appears to be a Glock handgun and magazine inside his Tulsa, Oklahoma, apartment. Investigators said additional photos showed his children handling the same gun. (FBI affidavit / U.S. Department of Justice)

Two minutes later that same individual added, “Hell opened its gates. It is very chaotic and there will be no end, this time. It will end in a good way,” prosecutors said.

Then, about an hour later, Al-Muhtadi received another update from the same individual reading, “Hilux trucks [vehicles used by Hamas attackers] inside the settlements [Israel].” 

Prosecutors said Al-Muhtadi was sent a video minutes later depicting what appeared to be a Hamas paraglider flying towards Israel.

As well as the terror charges, Al-Muhtad is also accused of lying on his U.S. visa application to conceal his ties to terrorist groups.

“As a result of that false application, Al-Muhtadi was able to obtain permission to travel to the United States and obtain Legal Permanent Resident status. Al-Muhtadi is currently residing and working in Lafeyette, Louisiana,” the affidavit reads.

Al-Muhtadi is expected to make an initial court appearance on Friday morning, according to The New York Times.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.