U.S. Department
of Justice
Press Release
Palestinian Nationals Charged With Unlawful Possession Of Firearms And Ammunition
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of indictments charging Mohammed Aburidi (24, Palestinian) and Tareq Aburidi (19, Palestinian) with possessing firearms and ammunition as aliens admitted to the United States on nonimmigrant visas. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
According to the indictments, on November 26, 2024, Mohammed Aburidi and Tareq Aburidi possessed firearms and ammunition after being admitted to the United States on nonimmigrant visas.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Updated May 6, 2025
Topics
Operation Take Back America
Firearms Offenses
Immigration
Component