Federal prosecutors accused a man in Louisiana of participating in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, then traveling to the U.S. on a fraudulent visa, according to newly unsealed court documents.

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Middle East Conflict

Federal prosecutors have charged Mahmoud Amin Yacoub Almutadi, a resident of Louisiana, with aiding Hamas in its 2023 attack on Israel. According to a criminal complaint, Almutadi allegedly communicated with a paramilitary group involved in the attack and was located near one of the targeted neighborhoods based on cell phone data. 

Authorities say Almutadi made phone calls on the morning of the attack, instructing others to prepare and bring weapons. He received a U.S. visa nearly a year after the attack and is the only accused conspirator expected to face trial in the United States. In court, Almutadi has asserted his innocence and requested improved jail accommodations for religious practices.

Man living in Louisiana accused of aiding Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel

Prosecutors say this is 33-year-old Mahmoud Amin Yacoub Almutadi in Gaza, along with other militants before Hamas's deadly attack on October 7th. According to a federal criminal complaint, Almutadi communicated with a paramilitary group that helped conduct the terror attack. The complaint says the cell phone data shows him near one of the targeted neighborhoods. More than 1,200 people in Israel were killed, including more than 40 American citizens. Prosecutors say they obtained phone calls that Almutadi placed the morning of the attack. In one call, he says, quote, get ready, the borders are open. In another, he tells someone, quote, bring the rifles and whatever you have. So far, Almutadi, who is living in Louisiana since at least this summer, is the only accused conspirator expected to face an American jury. He received a U.S. visa last September, nearly a year after the attack. CBS national security expert Sam Vinograd. Who do you believe may have dropped the ball here? It does appear that in this case, U.S. government was not able to conduct social media vetting on this individual prior to him being granted a visa and entering the United States. Vinograd says Almutadi posed a clear national security threat. This individual, in the first instance, never should have left Gaza, but certainly should not have gained access to the United States. An FBI task force based here in New Orleans is credited with tracking down Almutadi. Today in court, he repeatedly said that he was innocent and requested better jail accommodation so he can practice his religion.

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Man living in Louisiana accused of aiding Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel

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