Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a Department of Energy employee, was arrested in Washington State for attempting to provide material support to the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Why it matters. The arrest highlights increased scrutiny and enforcement of policies against supporting terrorist organizations within government agencies.
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, a resident of Richland, Washington, was arrested this morning and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
“As alleged, a U.S. government employee traveled overseas and used his specialized expertise in an attempt to aid the Houthis, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization backed by Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Additionally, Ellaboudy acquired materials for the construction of explosive material and drones capable of delivering these explosives.
