FBI Hamas Investigation: Was Palestinian al-Muhtadi arrested in Louisiana the mastermind of the October 7 Hamas attack? FBI accused him of visa fraud and terrorism, was he going to carry out another attack while hiding in America?
Mahmoud Amin Yakoub Al-Muhtadi: Mahmoud Amin Yacoub al-Muhtadi, a Palestinian citizen in Louisiana, US, was arrested for his involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The FBI reported that al-Muhtadi armed himself and organized an armed group to cross into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. More than 1,200 people were killed in this attack and dozens of American citizens were also abducted.
Did al-Muhtadi commit visa fraud in the US?
The FBI complaint states that al-Muhtadi denied involvement in terrorist activities in his US visa application. He said he would work in car repair or food service in Oklahoma. But his social media and email accounts revealed he had been linked to Hamas and other paramilitary groups for years. He applied for an electronic visa in June 2024 and came to the US in September 2024.
Did al-Muhtadi plan Hamas attack?
The FBI says al-Muhtadi told his companions to “get ready” and “get rifles.” He coordinated an armed group to cross into Israel. During the attack his phone pinged a mobile tower near the village of Kfar Azza, where dozens of people were killed and about 19 abducted.
Justice and security in America
Al-Muhtadi was held in a maximum-security prison in Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry said, “Justice will be served.” The Justice Department also said it stands against all forms of anti-Semitism and terrorism. The FBI and other agencies have been monitoring al-Muhtadi’s activities and have met with him several times. The governor of Louisiana said that “justice will be served.” Al-Muhtadi could be held in a Louisiana lockup. The FBI says he came under a task force investigating the murder and kidnapping of American citizens.
This arrest shows that America is taking any form of terrorism seriously. Al-Muhtadi’s activities continue to be monitored and investigated for US visa fraud. Was al-Muhtadi planning a major attack in America? Or was he merely the coordinator of an armed group? The FBI and Justice Department investigations are still ongoing. His activities and past records on social media make this case more mysterious.