The FBI has arrested a man in Lafayette, Louisiana, accused of taking part in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, according to court documents.

Mahmoud Amin Ya-qub Al-Muhtadi, identified in an FBI affidavit as a resident of Lafayette, is charged with violating federal terrorism laws by providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization through his alleged involvement in the assault. He also faces charges of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents.

According to the affidavit, Al-Muhtadi is accused of being a member of both Hamas and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine’s (DFLP) armed wing, known as the National Resistance Brigades (NRB). Investigators allege he helped coordinate NRB fighters who joined Hamas units during the incursion into southern Israel.

“Evidence shows that on the morning of October 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi learned about the Hamas invasion, armed himself, gathered others and crossed into Israel with the intention of assisting in Hamas’s terrorist attack,” the filing states.

Cell tower data placed his phone inside Israel near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the sites targeted in the attack. He was also recorded in intercepted communications discussing the movement of fighters and weapons into Israel and celebrating kidnappings that took place that morning, according to prosecutors.

Investigators say Al-Muhtadi appeared in photographs and videos taken around the time of the assault, dressed in combat gear, carrying weapons, and standing alongside armed terrorists wearing NRB insignia and Hamas-style headbands. He later praised the attacks on social media, posting messages that referenced the “liberation of occupied land,” the affidavit says.

Court documents also detail a series of social media exchanges Al-Muhtadi allegedly received as the assault unfolded. At 6:34 a.m., just as Hamas began its attack, a contact messaged him, “I see war.” Two minutes later, the same individual wrote, “Hell opened its gates. It is very chaotic and there will be no end, this time. It will end in a good way.” An hour later, that person added, “Hilux trucks inside the settlements,” referring to the vehicles used by Hamas attackers. Prosecutors say Al-Muhtadi was later sent a video showing a Hamas paraglider heading toward Israel.

In addition to terrorism-related offenses, prosecutors allege Al-Muhtadi lied 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,” the affidavit reads.

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