Louisiana
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-Muhtadi, a man accused of participating in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Louisiana.
Al-Muhtadi, 33, appeared before a judge for an arraignment in an orange prison jumpsuit, shackled at the hands and feet. As he entered the courtroom, he stumbled slightly over his shackles. He greeted his attorneys and interpreter, who had flown in to Lafayette for the hearing, with a “Good afternoon.”
The judge informed al-Muhtadi he had been indicted by a grand jury on two counts — conspiracy to provide material support to a terror organization resulting in death and fraud and misuse of visa permits.
In court documents unsealed 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 has fought alongside Hamas and participated in the 2023 attack.
Prosecutors claim he coordinated a “group of armed fighters” to cross into Israel after hearing about Hamas’ attack. He allegedly told one man to “bring the rifles” and another to “get ready.” Prosecutors say he also sent messages asking for ammunition and a bulletproof vest for another man.
Al-Muhtadi submitted a U.S. visa application in June 2024, where, according to court documents, he denied being a member or representative of a terror organization, having any skills or training, including firearm usage, and ever engaging in terrorist activities.
Al-Muhtadi is one of the first to face charges in a U.S. court for allegedly helping Hamas with the attack.
On Wednesday, al-Muhtadi told the judge he understood the counts before him and pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution reminded the judge that deportation to Israel would be a possible penalty in this case. The max penalty for the first count is life in prison, the max penalty for the latter is 10 years. Both counts are connected to his alleged involvement with the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack against Israel. He’s also accused of lying on his visa application form to gain entry into the U.S.
For now, his attorney waived his right to a detention hearing, and al-Muhtadi signed the waiver in court. Thus, the judge said she is issuing an order for detention pending trial.
The prosecution noted to the judge that the case is complex, involving classified documents litigation, and will therefore require certain classified information protections 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 attorney, Aaron Adams, was heard telling his client, “so far so good.” The defendant was heard asking Adams more about jail conditions, including how his family is doing.
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 has sent emails to that spokesperson for comment.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Louisiana homeowners can get financial help to upgrade their roofs and ensure they can better stand up to strong storms.
According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, registration for next Louisiana Fortify Homes Program lottery opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1. The registration period will stay open through 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.
Under the latest round of the program, 3,000 grants of up to $10,000 will go out. After applying, homeowners will get placed into a lottery and will be randomly selected.
There are many specific benefits of having a roof upgraded through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Officials said the roofs have stronger shingles that can protect against hail up to two inches wide, sealed roof decks to help prevent water damage, and stronger edges to keep wind from getting underneath.
Homeowners with a fortified roof can also get a certificate to receive a discount on insurance premiums.
“At the end of the day, this program is about more than just roofs,” said Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. “It is about protecting families, it is about strengthening communities, and it is about putting Louisiana in a stronger position—both physically and economically—to face the challenges ahead.”
Only people living in Ascension Parish, Livingston Parish, Assumption Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Acadia Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish, Iberia Parish, Jefferson Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Lafayette Parish, Lafourche Parish, Orleans Parish, Plaquemines Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Mary Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Terrebonne Parish, and Vermilion Parish are eligible to apply for the latest round of the program.
People living in a newly built home, mobile home, or condominium are not qualified.
For a detailed list of eligibility requirements, click here.
If a person registered for the program previously, he or she must do so again. The person will also need to provide the following information:
- A homestead exemption on the primary residence.
- A policy of insurance that provides wind coverage for the primary residence.
- A flood insurance policy on the primary residence if it is in a special flood hazard area.
For more information about applying, click here.
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WATCH: Louisiana baseball HC, players talk series win vs No. 20 Coastal Carolina
Hear from UL baseball’s HC Matt Deggs, pitcher Ty Roman and infielder Owen Galt following its 2-1 series win vs Coastal Carolina.
For the second day in a row, Louisiana baseball has its back against the wall in the NCAA Tournament Starkville Regional.
The No. 25 Ragin’ Cajuns (40-24) secured their 40th win of the season and kept their postseason dreams alive by beating Lipscomb 10-4 in an elimination game on Saturday, May 30. Now, the pressure is back on for seventh-year coach Matt Deggs and his squad as they face No. 24 Cincinnati (38-21) in another win-or-go-home matchup on Sunday, May 31 in Starkville, Mississippi.
Against the Bisons, UL used four pitchers, and in total has used seven of its arms so far in tournament play. One of the Cajuns’ fresh arms heading into the matchup against the Bearcats is senior Andrew Herrmann. The lefty made his latest appearance during the Cajuns’ Sun Belt Conference tournament run on May 24.
While the Cajuns come into the match with some momentum, Cincinnati enters the match with a chip on its shoulder after losing its first game of the tournament on Saturday against regional host Mississippi State.
Watch Louisiana baseball vs Cincinnati on ESPN+
What channel is Louisiana baseball vs Cincinnati on?
TV: None
Livestream: ESPN+
Radio: Varsity Network, 96.5 FM
Louisiana vs. Cincinnati will be available live on ESPN+ streaming for the first game of Day 3 of the Starkville Regional. Jack Kizer and Jack DeLongchamps will provide commentary from Dudy Noble Field.
What time does Louisiana baseball play Cincinnati?
Date: Sunday, May 31
Time: 2 p.m. CT
Location: Dude Noble Field, Starkville, Mississippi
The Louisiana vs. Cincinnati game starts at 2 p.m. Sunday at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, Mississippi.
Starkville Regionals schedule
Friday, May 29
- Game 1: Mississippi State 10, Lipscomb 1
- Game 2: Cincinnati 12, Louisiana 2
Saturday, May 30
- Game 3: Lipscomb 4, Louisiana, 10
- Game 4: Mississippi State vs Cincinnati, 8 p.m. CT
Sunday, May 31
- Game 5: Louisiana vs Cincinnati, 2 p.m. CT
- Game 6: Winner G5 vs Mississippi State, 7 p.m. CT
Monday, June 1
- Game 7: If necessary, TBD
Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act has been signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry.
This comes after HB 636, authored by Rep. Vanessa LaFleur (D-Baton Rouge), was signed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on May 19.
The measure redefines hazing, mandates annual prevention training, and strengthens penalties for student organizations involved in hazing.
The legislation is named after a Southern University student who was killed in 2025 after being punched in the chest with boxing gloves during an unsanctioned, off-campus fraternity hazing ritual.
The law will go into effect on August 1.
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