FBI arrests US man for hiding terror links on visa, joining Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel

According to an FBI criminal complaint unsealed this week, reported by AP, Al-Muhtadi armed himself and gathered a group to cross from Gaza into southern Israel during the October 7 Hamas attack.

The complaint, filed by FBI Supervisory Special Agent Alexandria M Thoman O’Donnell, claims Al-Muhtadi was part of the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a Gaza-based group aligned with Hamas.

“This case reflects our unwavering commitment to finding and prosecuting those responsible for that horrific day,” said US Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We will continue to stand by Jewish Americans and Jewish people around the world against anti-Semitism and terrorism in all its forms.”

The October 7 raid left more than 1,200 dead and over 250 kidnapped, including dozens of Americans. Hamas recently released the remaining 20 hostages as part of a tenuous ceasefire.

Accused lied on visa application to enter US

US prosecutors say Al-Muhtadi also lied on his visa application, concealing his role in a terrorist organisation, before entering the US and settling in Tulsa, Oklahoma and later Lafayette, Louisiana.

In June 2024, Al-Muhtadi applied for a US visa in Cairo, claiming he had never engaged in terrorist activity. He received legal permanent residency in 2024 and entered the US in September, stating his intention to work in “car repairs or food services”.

After briefly living in Tulsa, he moved to Lafayette, where the FBI says he worked at a restaurant and was under surveillance from July to September 2025.

“Justice will be served,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry posted on X, hinting Al-Muhtadi may be detained in the state’s new immigration detention wing at “Louisiana Lockup.”

Justice will be served. Perhaps this is Louisiana Lockup’s newest resident? https://t.co/Lo6L9nPh4E

— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) October 17, 2025

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The FBI says Al-Muhtadi’s social media and email accounts revealed a yearslong affiliation with Hamas-aligned groups, including firearms training and calls for armed action.

On October 7, 2023, he reportedly told associates to “get ready” and “bring the rifles,” calling the planned kidnappings a “game”. His phone later pinged a cell tower near Kfar Aza, an Israeli village where dozens were killed.

Despite warnings from associates to stay off social media, Al-Muhtadi allegedly said he could “post whatever he wanted”, including pictures of Hamas leaders.

Al-Muhtadi is currently being held at St. Martin Parish Correctional Center near Lafayette.

He was scheduled to appear in federal court Friday morning. No defense attorney has been listed in filings so far. The FBI reportedly refused to share more details, citing the ongoing government shutdown.

If convicted, Al-Muhtadi could face serious federal charges related to terrorism, visa fraud, and material support to a foreign terrorist organization.