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. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is now accepting applications for the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman (B-BOW) Deer Hunt, scheduled for Jan. 9–11, 2026, at Floy McElroy Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

This hunt is for novice deer hunters only who have attended a previous Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop, and is designed to provide hands-on learning and real-world experience in a supportive environment.

The lottery application will remain open through Nov. 30, 2025. The drawing will be held on Dec. 1, 2025, and successful applicants will be notified by email.

To apply, visit:

https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications

Eligibility Requirements

The Beyond BOW Deer Hunt is intended for individuals new to deer hunting. To qualify, applicants must:

• Have attended a previous Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop

• Be a novice deer hunter, defined as someone who has harvested no more than two deer or other big game animals (elk, antelope, bear, moose, etc.) in their lifetime
• Not have previously attended a Louisiana BBOW deer hunt or harvested a deer during that event
• Be Hunter Education certified

About Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman (B-BOW)

LDWF’s Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman program builds upon the foundation of the traditional Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshops. These advanced, hands-on experiences allow participants to apply and strengthen skills learned during BOW weekends, while receiving guidance from supportive instructors in real-world outdoor settings.

Beyond BOW workshops are ideal for women who:

• Want to gain more confidence and independence in outdoor skills
• Are seeking new outdoor challenges and experiences
• Have completed a BOW workshop and are ready for the next step
• Enjoy learning alongside like-minded outdoor enthusiasts

Workshops are kept intentionally small to provide a safe, educational, and encouraging environment that emphasizes personal growth, safety, and skill development.

Applicable fees will be assessed when applying for the lottery.

To learn more or to apply, visit:

https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications

Contact:

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program

Email:  BOW@wlf.la.gov

Website: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/beyond-bow

About Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation’s 2025 Conservation Raffle:

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is hosting its inaugural raffle. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters of Louisiana the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000.

Proceeds directly benefit programs led by LDWF, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access enhancements, and education initiatives.

To purchase your ticket, visit: https://www.lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle.

Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26. Click here to view the official rules page.