Arrest Made in Connection to October 7 Terrorist Attack on Israel

A 33-year-old resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, has been taken into custody on federal charges related to the recent terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

The complaint submitted to the U.S. District Court in Lafayette names Mahmoud Amin Yaqub al-Muftadi as a participant in an assault on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a community in southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 60 individuals and the kidnapping of 19 others.

Some of those affected included American citizens, as detailed in a 44-page document. This information comes from a complaint that has been made publicly available.

Federal prosecutors claim that al-Muftadi attempted to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and lied to immigration officials when seeking entry into the U.S. last year.

Based on the complaint, al-Muftadi arrived in the U.S. at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on September 12, 2024.

Documents allege he misrepresented his background, denying any involvement with paramilitary activity or firearms knowledge—details that might have raised suspicions.

It’s further alleged that al-Muftadi is affiliated with the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (NRB) and collaborated with Hamas to facilitate attacks in Israel.

The complaint showcases a social media image of al-Muftadi donning a red NRB headband and aiming a military-type rifle during what appears to be a training session in the Middle East back in 2019.

Allegedly, he encouraged participation in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, with his cellphone reportedly connecting to an Israeli cell tower, suggesting he crossed the border.

Israeli news agency Ynetglobal has noted that al-Muftadi’s phone calls from that day revealed him urging others to get ready for the attack. He allegedly told someone to “get ready,” mentioning that “the border is open,” and advised another individual to “bring a rifle.” On that day, Hamas and its affiliates killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took approximately 250 hostages.

The complaint was initiated by FBI Supervisory Special Agent Alexandria M. Thoman O’Donnell and submitted on October 6, with a request for it to remain sealed to prevent potential flight risks or leaks to suspects about the investigation.

Records indicate that al-Muftadi is currently detained at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center in Lafayette.

It is believed he obtained a visa to enter the United States. According to documents, a person named “Mahmoud Al-Muhtadi” applied for an immigrant visa in June 2024, stating he was born in Gaza and had lived there until March 2024.

The complaint notes that he plans to reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and pursue jobs in “auto repair and food service.” His wife reportedly assisted him in completing the visa application.

However, following his entry into the U.S., al-Muftadi seemed to show less discretion regarding firearms, as indicated by a social media post from February 2025 in Tulsa that featured a Glock 26 9mm handgun, along with another photo of him with the weapon.

He is expected to appear before Judge David J. Ayo on Friday, according to various news reports.