Department of Energy Employee Arrested in Washington State on Charges of Attempted Material Support to Houthis
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. Ellaboudy is scheduled to make an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge on Oct. 2 at 11:00 a.m. in Richland.
“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. These allegations are so deeply disturbing that they almost defy imagination.”
“This individual allegedly betrayed the U.S. and attempted to aid the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization, but thanks to the work of the men and women of the FBI, his actions were detected and he is now in custody,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “According to the criminal complaint, Ellaboudy tried to assist the terrorist group improve its communications capabilities, he purchased materials for homemade explosives and drones, and he traveled to Yemen where the Houthis control the capital city. Preventing terrorism and protecting the U.S. homeland is a vital part of the FBI’s mission. We will use all our resources and work closely with our partners to identify and stop anyone planning to commit acts of terrorism or to help terrorist organizations.”
“The Hanford Field Office appreciates the leadership and diligence of the investigation conducted by the FBI. This matter did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce, and at no time was there a threat to the safety or security of the site,” said Office Manager Ray Geimer of the Department of Energy Hanford Field Office. “We remain committed to providing a safe and secure workplace as we move the Hanford mission forward.”
Read more: Department of Justice