Accused Hamas conspirator pleads not guilty in Louisiana to allegedly helping with Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel

LAFAYETTE, LA — Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadia man accused of participating in the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court in Louisiana.

Al-Muhtadi, 33, appeared before a judge for arraignment wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, shackled at the hands and feet. As he entered the courtroom, he tripped slightly over his chains. He greeted his lawyers and interpreter, who had flown to Lafayette for the hearing, with a “Good afternoon.”

The judge informed al-Muhtadi that he had been indicted by a grand jury on two counts: conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization resulting in death, fraud and misuse of visa permits.

In court documents released last week, Al-Muhtadi is accused of being a member of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a paramilitary group that fought alongside Hamas and participated in the 2023 attack.

Prosecutors say he coordinated a “group of armed fighters” to enter Israel after hearing about the Hamas attack. He allegedly told one man to “bring the guns” and another to “get ready.” Prosecutors say he also sent messages requesting ammunition and body armor for another man.

Al-Muhtadi applied for a U.S. visa in June 2024, in which, according to court documents, he denied being a member or representative of a terrorist organization, having any skills or training, including the use of firearms, and ever participating in terrorist activities.

Al-Muhtadi is one of the first to face charges in a US court for allegedly helping Hamas in the attack.

On Wednesday, al-Muhtadi told the judge he understood the charges against him and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution reminded the judge that deportation to Israel would be a possible sentence in this case. The maximum sentence for the first charge is life in prison, the maximum sentence for the second is 10 years. Both charges relate to his alleged involvement in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel. He is also accused of lying on his visa application form to enter the United States.

For now, his lawyer has waived his right to a detention hearing, and al-Muhtadi signed the waiver in court. So, the judge said she was issuing an order of detention pending trial.

The prosecution pointed out to the judge that the case is complex, involving litigation over classified documents, and therefore will require certain protections relating to classified information under the Patriot Act. They said they plan to propose a protective order governing discovery in the case.

After the hearing ended, al-Muhtadi’s lawyer, Aaron Adams, was heard telling his client: “so far so good.” The defendant was heard asking Adams more about the prison conditions, including the condition of his family.

Asked about that conversation, Adams said “no comment.”

Prosecutors in the case also declined to comment and referred all press inquiries to a public relations spokesperson. CBS News sent emails to this spokesperson for comment.