State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News NY Schools Need More Local Food, Less Red Tape

More Local Food, Less Red Tape: Audit Calls for Improved Administration of School Lunch Program

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ initiative to reimburse school districts at a higher rate if at least 30% of the costs for lunch is spent on eligible New York produced and processed food is growing, but it could better meet its objectives if some administrative burdens were addressed, according to an audit released by Comptroller DiNapoli.

“The 30% New York school lunch program has an excellent goal, to provide healthy, locally produced food to New York school children while supporting our local farms and agricultural economy,” said DiNapoli. “But there’s room to do better to expand on the good work of the Department of Agriculture and Markets by reducing the red tape that discourages school districts from participating in this important initiative.”

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MTA Fiscal Outlook Improves, But Federal Actions Cloud Future

The stability of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) finances is increasingly reliant on its ability to find significant savings, grow ridership, and efficiently execute capital improvements, according to Comptroller DiNapoli’s annual review of the Authority’s fiscal outlook. These efforts have taken on heightened importance as federal threats over capital funding cloud future investments, which could force the Authority to make difficult choices between balancing debt levels with maintaining the system in a state of good repair.

“The MTA’s budget is currently balanced, but outyear gaps persist as the Authority faces substantial fiscal uncertainties, led by funding threats from the federal government,” DiNapoli said. “It’s imperative that the MTA stay focused on improving the system and bringing riders back, which is one of the surest ways it can help stabilize its fiscal outlook at the farebox, and by following through on its savings initiatives.”

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State Tax Receipts Remain Above Budget Division Projections Through Mid-Year

State tax receipts totaled $59.9 billion through September, the middle of State Fiscal Year 2025-26, $702.2 million higher than financial plan estimates from the Division of Budget, according to the monthly State Cash Report released by Comptroller DiNapoli. State tax collections through September were $5.2 billion higher than those through the same period last year. 

“Higher state tax collections largely stem from robust personal income tax collections, fueled by continued income growth in 2025,” DiNapoli said. “But the federal government shutdown and other policy shifts in Washington could weigh heavily on New York’s economy and revenues over the remainder of the state’s fiscal year.”

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A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• Audit: State missing the mark on using local food in school lunches
• Looming Trump funding cuts could force MTA to ‘make difficult choices,’ new comptroller’s report says
• NY tax revenue tops forecast by $700 million for April-September
• Trafficking in the Tri-State: Rooms without rescue
• Taxing Long Island: State comptroller's office to help Long Islanders obtain unclaimed funds

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

 

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches for 16 Wade Square in Belmont, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 16 Wade Square, an eight-story residential building in Belmont, The Bronx. Designed by A/R Environetics Architects and developed by Spaxel, the structure yields 74 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 23 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $87,052 to $294,840. 

Amenities include a garage with assigned parking spaces, bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, elevator, recycling center, a community center, party room, recreation room, storage, gated access, and an on-site resident manager. Residences are equipped with hardwood floors, intercoms, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity and and electric stove.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are five studios with a monthly rent of $2,539 for incomes ranging from $87,052 to $168,480; six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,599 for incomes ranging from $89,109 to $189,540; five two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,899 for incomes ranging from $99,395 to $227,500; six three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,618 for incomes ranging from $124,046 to $261,170; and one four-bedroom with a monthly rent of $3,879 for incomes ranging from $132,995 to $294,840.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than December 15, 2025.

Governor Hochul Announces Statewide Partners for First Round of Charm Mural Initiative

Led by the New York State Council on the Arts, Program Will Support the Creation of 56 Murals Statewide

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of 11 community partners across the state to create 56 new murals through the Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals (CHARM) program. A new initiative of Governor Hochul, this inaugural phase of CHARM will support the creation of art across 21 counties, tapping into New York's unmatched artistic community to enhance existing community spaces, celebrate local culture, drive visitation and promote civic engagement. This public art program is administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

“Public art inspires and educates – it strengthens our civic pride and brings us together,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By supporting our innovative creative sector to work with communities all across the state, CHARM will reimagine everyday public spaces as vibrant destinations for visitors and residents alike.”

The first round of CHARM is supported by $1 million in state funding secured in Governor Hochul's FY25 Enacted Budget and will include murals from individual artists, community-based design and collaborative projects. Sites are outdoors, publicly accessible and include spaces such as library entrances, theatres and recreation centers. Program partners were chosen for their deep-rooted knowledge of their regions, experience managing mural projects, connections to regional artists and ability to listen to both creators and community needs. Mural designs range from scenic depictions, to portraits of notable residents, to dazzling abstract patterns, to expressions of community pride. All murals will be completed by November 2025.

Public art is a powerful vehicle for artistic expression and placemaking – and often the first interaction a person may have with the arts. Public art projects can transform communities into cultural centers, foster greater community pride, and bridge gaps between local communities, businesses, and government.

The community partners are:

• Albany Center Gallery (Capital Region)
  • 2 murals in the city of Albany
• Arts Center Lake Placid (North Country Region)
  • 3 murals in Lake Placid and Ausable Forks
• The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes (Southern Tier Region)
  • 10 murals in Elmira, Odessa, Owego, Canisteo, and Salamanca
• Arts Mid-Hudson (Mid-Hudson Region)
  • 3 murals in Monroe, Millbrook, and Pine Hill
• Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County and Ithaca Murals (Southern Tier Region)
  • 14 murals in Ithaca and across the Village of Brooktondale in the Town of Caroline, and the Town of Ithaca
• Huntington Arts Council (Long Island Region)
  • 4 murals in Southold, Bay Shore, and Huntington
• Roc Paint Division and WALL\THERAPY (Finger Lakes Region)
  • 3 murals in Rochester
• Patchogue Arts Council (Long Island Region)
  • 3 murals in Patchogue
• Saratoga Arts Council (Mohawk Valley Region)
  • 6 murals in Old Forge, Middleburgh, Gloversville, Oneonta, Canajoharie, Utica
• Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board (Western NY Region)
  • 7 murals in Faulkner Village, Dunkirk City, Town of Sherman, Salamanca, Gowanda Village, and Alfred
• Artist Chris Murray and the Syracuse Public Art Commission (Central NY Region)
  • 1 mural in Syracuse

Justice Department Statements Regarding Indictment of Former National Security Advisor John Bolton

 

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging former National Security Advisor John Bolton, 76, of Bethesda, Maryland, with serious crimes related to the mishandling of classified information. The indictment charges Bolton with eight counts of transmission of national defense information (NDI) and 10 counts of unlawful retention of NDI. 

“There is one tier of justice for all Americans,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law.” 

“The FBI’s investigation revealed that John Bolton allegedly transmitted top secret information using personal online accounts and retained said documents in his house in direct violation of federal law,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The case was based on meticulous work from dedicated career professionals at the FBI who followed the facts without fear or favor. Weaponization of justice will not be tolerated, and this FBI will stop at nothing to bring to justice anyone who threatens our national security.”

“Keeping Americans safe always has been, and always will be, the top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “If anyone endangers our national security, we’re committed to holding them accountable.”

“The FBI is committed to protecting classified information to keep Americans safe. Anyone entrusted with this knowledge takes an oath and has a duty to safeguard it. The charges alleged in this indictment demonstrate there will be consequences for those who violate this responsibility,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office.

The indictment alleges that Bolton illegally transmitted NDI by using personal email and messaging application accounts to send sensitive documents classified as high as Top Secret. These documents revealed intelligence about future attacks, foreign adversaries, and foreign-policy relations.

The indictment also alleges that Bolton illegally retained NDI documents within his home. These documents included intelligence on an adversary’s leaders as well as information revealing sources and collections used to obtain statements on a foreign adversary.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of unlawful retention of NDI and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of transmission of NDI. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Baltimore Field Office is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Sullivan and Robert Goldaris for the District of Maryland, Trial Attorneys Adam P. Barry and S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Tanner Kroeger of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. Invites You To A Night of Celebration and Italian Culture

Friends,

It is my great honor to invite you to the inaugural Italian American Heritage Dinner at the Bronx Zoo.

Please join me on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Hall as we celebrate Italian culture and heritage in our community and honor the many great Italian Americans—past and present.

The Italian community has been at the heart of the Bronx for generations. From the South Bronx to the North Bronx, Italian families have left their mark on our neighborhoods, and we are proud that the traditions of yesterday continue to thrive today.

This event is FREE and open to the community, but RSVP is required as space is limited.

Please see the flyer below for RSVP details, or click here. 

With Gratitude, 

John Zaccaro, Jr. 

ICE Arrests Violent Illegal Alien Child Rapist Released by Richmond’s Sanctuary Policies

 

An ICE arrest detainer for this child rapist was not honored and he was released 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the October 14, 2025, arrest of Rick Martinez Lopez, a criminal illegal alien pedophile from Guatemala with multiple convictions in the commonwealth of Virginia. His criminal history includes convictions for sexual assault of child, failure to register as a sex offender, and probation violation. 

In August 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an arrest detainer on Martinez Lopez with the Richmond City Jail. They stated they would not honor the detainer and released this child predator back into the community.

Rick Martinez Lopez

“To allow a convicted pedophile, registered sex offender, illegal alien to freely roam Virginia streets is barbaric,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “It is unconscionable to think sanctuary policies and political activists would rather protect this sicko than our own nation’s children. Every sanctuary politician in Virginia is putting the safety of Americans at risk with their dangerous and lawless policies.”

Martinez Lopez entered the United States at an unknown date and time and without inspection by an immigration official.

ICE law enforcement officers will continue working without pay during the Democrats’ shutdown to ensure the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens are removed from our streets. 

Governor Hochul Marks Progress on Micron’s $100 Billion Investment in New York with Approval of Critical Infrastructure to Support the Project

Micron Fabs Will Create Over 50,000 New Jobs, Including 9,000 Jobs at Micron and Thousands of Prevailing Wage Construction Jobs

Includes Nation’s Largest Clean Room and Industry-Leading Standards

Local Hiring has Begun, Veterans and Small Businesses Prioritized

Governor Kathy Hochul marked a step forward for the Micron project in Central New York with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) adopting the terms of a joint proposal in connection with National Grid’s petition to construct a two-mile, 345-kilovolt underground transmission service line between an existing substation and the proposed Micron technology fabrication areas in the Town of Clay, Onondaga County. The PSC also approved National Grid’s environmental management and construction plan for the first phase of construction activities, which involves the installation of the eastern expansion of the Clay substation, and installation of equipment from the Clay substation to the Micron campus. The joint proposal was signed by National Grid, the New York State Department of Public Service Staff and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“We’re working hard to shape the upstate economy into an economic powerhouse,” Governor Hochul said. “Today’s decision by the PSC marks a major milestone for the development of the Micron project in upstate New York. This project is set to transform Central New York — and we’re moving quickly ahead with all due speed and deliberation.”

In addition to approving the transmission connections, the PSC also approved the utility’s plans regarding receiving and addressing public complaints, addressing environmental concerns such as waterbody and wildlife protection, and where and when construction activities would occur. It also seeks to identify and minimize the disruptive effects of construction and describes cleanup and restoration following construction.

The PSC’s decision regarding the transmission lines, the substation upgrades, and construction plans is the latest milestone marking the ongoing partnership between Micron and New York State that was forged in October 2022 when Micron chose Central New York for its megafab, a facility to construct in-demand semiconductors. Governor Hochul has worked closely with State, local and federal partners to prepare for Micron’s arrival and make continued investments in the community and the region. As part of the Governor’s Green CHIPS incentive program, Micron will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand water restoration, reuse, and recycling efforts and target carbon-free energy.

Earlier this year, the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency and the U.S. Department of Commerce released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Micron’s megafab project, a required component of both the State Environmental Quality Review Act and the federal National Environmental Policy Act. The approximately 20,000-page document, jointly prepared by the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency, the US Commerce Department, and Micron, reflects one of the most thorough analyses ever conducted for a project in New York State, befitting the historic nature and transformative impact of Micron’s plan to invest up to $100 billion and support the creation of over 50,000 jobs over the next 20-plus years. The project will include the nation's largest clean room space at approximately 2.4 million square feet.

The $100 billion investment by Micron is the largest private investment in New York’s history. By the end of the decade, one in four U.S.-made chips will be manufactured in and around Upstate New York — no other region in the country will manufacture a greater share.

Micron’s presence in Central New York, represents transformative growth in Upstate New York. This includes:

• 9,000 new, good paying jobs at all levels of education on site.
• Over 50,000 new permanent jobs in the region over next 30 years and tens of thousands of construction jobs over the next 20 years to build the campus.
• An additional $9.5 billion in regional economic output annually starting in 2027, ramping up to over $16 billion annually by 2041.
• An additional $3.3 billion in annual disposable income for Central New Yorkers by 2035, rising to an average of $5.4 billion per year through 2055.
• Nearly $20 billion in additional revenue for state and local governments to improve schools and other public services over the next 30 years.

Governor Hochul and Micron have also partnered on critical initiatives to make sure that Central New Yorkers benefit from this transformative investment, including:

• The $500 million Community Investment Fund developed to ensure inclusive economic growth, workforce development & quality of life enhancements for Central New York
• The opening of a state-of-the-art $15 million cleanroom simulation lab at Onondaga Community College.
• The establishment of the Syracuse STEAM School, Central New York’s first regional technical high school which opened for students this fall.

Governor Hochul has prioritized the semiconductor industry as a major part of her economic development agenda since taking office. The Governor secured a $500 million capital investment for NY CREATES’ Albany Nanotech Complex with total State investment of $1 billion to jumpstart a $10 billion partnership that will bring a cutting-edge High NA EUV Lithography Center to the Complex. Governor Hochul announced the partnership with IBM, Micron, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron and other leaders from the semiconductor industry last year as part of her commitment to establishing a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing in New York. Once completed, this new center will build on other semiconductor-related investments to make New York home to the first publicly owned High NA EUV Lithography Center in North America, support the long-term growth of New York’s tech economy, and create and retain thousands of direct, indirect and union construction jobs.

Governor Hochul as part of the FY 2026 Budget secured $100 million in additional funding for the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) program. Launched in December 2022, FAST NY has awarded more than $175 million to prepare more than 2,500 acres across 20 sites in every Upstate region for shovel-readiness, a key feature business seeks when looking to locate. Awards to improve sites have attracted companies such as Edwards Vacuum, Siemens Mobility, Chobani and fairlife. These companies are investing $2.23 billion in new facilities statewide, which will create over 2,150 new jobs.

Semiconductors are vital to the nation's economic strength, serving as the brains of modern electronics, and enabling technologies critical to U.S. economic growth, national security and global competitiveness. The industry directly employs over 300,000 people in the U.S. and supports more than 1.8 million additional domestic jobs. Semiconductors are a top five U.S. export, and the industry is the number one contributor to labor productivity, supporting improvements to the effectiveness and efficiency of virtually every economic sector — from farming to manufacturing.

New York is home to a robust semiconductor industry of 156 semiconductor and supply chain companies that employ over 34,000 New Yorkers. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the industry is continuing to expand with major investments from semiconductor businesses and supply chain companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, AMD, Edwards Vacuum, Menlo Micro and TTM Technologies to expand their presence in New York.

 

Investors Call on Starbucks to Restart Negotiations with Unionized Workers

 

Investors are concerned that Starbucks’ labor relations have significantly deteriorated, evidenced by more than one hundred Unfair Labor Practice complaints filed this year, worker protests over store closings, and threats to strike

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, PIRC, SHARE and Trillium Asset Management have sent a letter to the Starbucks Board of Directors expressing concern over stalled negotiations between the company and unionized employees represented by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU), urging Starbucks to restart negotiations with SBWU and promptly reach a first contract.

The letter to Starbucks explains that a failure to reach a contract jeopardizes the company’s reputation and long-term shareholder value. The company has itself recognized that “our responses to any union organizing efforts could negatively impact how our brand is perceived and have adverse effects on our business, including on our financial results.” On Wednesday, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli also sent a letter to the board expressing his concerns. This underscores the growing investor scrutiny over the company’s handling of unionization efforts.

“As investors committed to the long-term success of Starbucks, we know that poor labor relations are a risk the company cannot afford to take,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “Stalled negotiations despite union threats to strike, inaction, and too many reports of unfair labor practices put Starbucks’ reputation and shareholder value on the line. Starbucks’ Board must come to the table with Starbucks Workers United swiftly to reach an agreement and demonstrate to Starbucks customers and investors that human capital management is a priority.”

“It’s been almost four years since the first Starbucks stores in Buffalo, NY voted to unionize,” said Jonas D. Kron, Chief Advocacy Officer at Trillium Asset Management. “Trillium expects companies to uphold human rights, including core labor rights, and to engage in collective bargaining that leads to a fair agreement in a timely manner. A first contract is long overdue.”

In 2023, this coalition of investors secured majority support of Starbucks shareholders for a proposal urging the company to conduct an independent assessment of the company’s adherence to its stated commitment to workers’ rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. Starbucks released the third-party assessment in December 2023, which did not consult workers, but nonetheless acknowledged clear corporate governance failures.

“Good human capital management practices are crucial to any company’s success, because workers who are valued also create value for their employers,” said Juana Lee, Associate Director, Corporate Engagement, SHARE. “Shareholders are relying on the Company to bargain in good faith with Starbucks Workers United.”

After the shareholder proposal and the third-party assessment, there were positive developments in February 2024, when Starbucks and SBWU announced an agreement to begin discussions on a foundational framework designed to achieve both collective bargaining agreements for represented stores and partners, and the resolution of litigation between the union and the company.

However, recent reports suggest that Starbucks has allowed these efforts to languish, and investors are concerned that labor relations at the company appear to have deteriorated during CEO Brian Niccol’s tenure.

The coalition is committed to ongoing engagement with the company and continues to urge Starbucks to set the tone from the top, restart negotiations, and reach a first contract with SBWU. Re-prioritizing these efforts can show that the company is focused on positive labor relations with its workers. The coalition remains committed to monitoring Starbucks’ efforts to uphold their Global Human Rights Statement and these fundamental workers’ rights, and has requested a meeting with Board members to share its investors’ perspectives and concerns.

Read the full letter to the Starbucks Board of Directors: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/letter-to-starbucks-board-of-directors-from-comptroller-lander-trillium-asset-management-shareholder-association-for-research-and-education-share-and-pensions-investment-research-consultants-pir/

Gaza Man Arrested for Alleged Involvement in October 7, 2023 Terrorist Attacks

 

Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi, 33, a Gazan native currently residing in Lafayette, Louisiana, was arrested yesterday for his alleged involvement in the Hamas-led terrorist attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. 

“After hiding out in the United States, this monster has been found and charged with participating in the atrocities of October 7 — the single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “While nothing can fully heal the scars left by Hamas’s brutal attack, this Department’s Joint Task Force October 7 is dedicated to finding and prosecuting those responsible for that horrific day, including the murder of dozens of American citizens. We will continue to stand by Jewish Americans and Jewish people around the world against anti-Semitism and terrorism in all its forms.” 

“As set forth in documents filed yesterday, on October 7, when Al-Muhtadi learned of the unfolding barbaric attack on Israel and civilians from multiple nations, including the United States, he sprang into action. He armed himself, recruited additional marauders, and then entered Israel, where there is evidence placing him near one of the worst-hit Israeli communities,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Subsequently, Al-Muhtadi fraudulently obtained a visa to enter the United States where he hoped to remain undetected. This arrest is the first public step in bringing to justice those responsible for harming Americans on that day.” 

“October 7 is a day that lives in infamy for so many, Gentile and Jew alike, because of the terrorist attack on Israel that began a wave of antisemitic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “Let this arrest serve as a reminder both that those who perpetrate acts of terrorism cannot evade justice by hiding in our communities and that state, local, and federal law enforcement — here, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Police Department, and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office — are working tirelessly to bring these people to justice.”

According to court documents, Al-Muhtadi is an operative for the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine’s (DFLP) military wing, the National Resistance Brigades (NRB, also known as the Martyr Umar al-Qasim Forces), a Gaza-based paramilitary group that participated in the Hamas-led terrorist attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

As alleged, on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi learned about the Hamas invasion, armed himself, gathered others, and crossed into Israel with the intention of assisting in Hamas’s terrorist attack. According to the complaint, Al-Muhtadi’s phone utilized a cell tower located near Kibbutz Kfar Aza in Israel – the location of a horrifying massacre by Hamas and its supporters resulting in the deaths of many civilians, including at least four American citizens.

In addition, Al-Muhtadi allegedly provided false information in his U.S. visa application relating to his involvement with a paramilitary organization, connection to Hamas, participation in a terrorist attack, and military training. Al-Muhtadi swore to the accuracy of numerous materially false statements in his visa application with respect to at least his affiliation with DFLP, the NRB, and Hamas, his training, and his involvement in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection records, Al-Muhtadi entered the United States on Sept. 12, 2024.

Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7) and the FBI New Orleans Field Office are investigating the case, with valuable assistance from Israeli authorities, including the State Attorney’s Office of Israel, the Israeli Security Agency, Lahav 433 and the Intelligence and Investigation Department of the Israel National Police, the Israel Defense Forces, and the Israeli National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing, as well as the FBI Law Enforcement Attache Office in Israel. The Louisiana State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lafayette Police Department and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office also provided significant assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana; Trial Attorneys A.J. Dixon, Andrew Sigler and JTF 10-7 Lead Attorney Alicia Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was also provided by Trial Attorney Mark Aziz with the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

Al-Muhtadi’s presence in the U.S. was discovered by JTF 10-7. Established in February 2025 by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, JTF 10-7 was created to spearhead the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations into the perpetrators of the heinous October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, in which approximately 1,200 people were murdered by Hamas, including 49 U.S. citizens, and approximately 250 additional people were abducted by Hamas, including 8 U.S. citizens. The task force reinforces the Department’s commitment to degrading and dismantling Hamas, holding Hamas supporters accountable, achieving justice for victims, and fighting terrorist-led antisemitism.