Florida Parish News

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, along with Speaker Mike Johnson, Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, and Representatives Clay Higgins and Julia Letlow, has requested a briefing from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem regarding how an alleged Hamas terrorist was able to enter the United States and reside in Lafayette, Louisiana. The letter asks for clarification on the circumstances that allowed Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi to settle in Louisiana after entering the country in 2024.

In a statement released by Scalise, he said: “President Biden put our state and country at risk by allowing this Hamas terrorist, who committed atrocities in Israel on October 7, to enter our country and take up residence in Lafayette. The Biden Administration also fast-tracked this terrorist to become a permanent resident living in Louisiana. It is disgusting that Democrats' failed open border policies allowed this to happen, putting our national security and the lives of Louisiana families at great risk. I’m grateful President Trump and the FBI are taking swift action to keep Americans safe from this terrorist. We look forward to receiving more information about how this dangerous person was allowed into our country.”

The delegation’s letter outlines concerns based on public reports and Department of Justice filings indicating that Al-Muhtadi allegedly participated in the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks against Israel before coming to the United States under what they describe as "dangerous open borders policy." The letter notes that Al-Muhtadi concealed his affiliations when applying for a visa and was later found living and working in Lafayette before being taken into custody by federal authorities.

The lawmakers also requested information about any additional terrorist threats present in Louisiana as a result of current immigration policies.

Steve Scalise has served as a member of Congress representing Louisiana’s 1st district since 2008. He previously served in both the Louisiana House of Representatives and State Senate. Scalise was born in New Orleans and currently resides in Jefferson. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University.