A Department of Energy employee in Washington state was arrested on suspicion of attempting to support Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthi movement, according to The Post Millennial, which cites the Justice Department.
What the outlet says DOJ is alleging
The outlet identifies the suspect as Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, of Richland, and reports he is charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, which the source describes as a designated foreign terrorist organization. The Post Millennial reports that, per prosecutors, Ellaboudy allegedly used his electrical engineering expertise to help improve the group’s communications capabilities.
Investigators also allegedly uncovered purchases of chemicals used to make explosives and components for building drones, the outlet reports, citing the Justice Department.
Worksite and materials
The article says Ellaboudy worked as a credentialed electrical engineer at the DOE’s Hanford site in Richland, a facility tied to nuclear cleanup operations. It adds that, according to the DOE, the site was not directly threatened.
Travel and passport claims
The Post Millennial reports that in September 2025 Ellaboudy flew from Richland to Oman, then crossed into Yemen to Sanaa, allegedly using an official U.S. government passport obtained during prior employment with the Army Corps of Engineers. Upon return, he allegedly told Customs and Border Protection officers the trip was official government business, which his DOE supervisor later disputed, according to the outlet.
Additional details the source attributes to investigators
The outlet states the FBI opened its investigation after discovering purchases of precursor chemicals and parts common to homemade explosives and remotely operated aerial systems. It also reports that in December 2024 Ellaboudy filed for sick leave, citing exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid.
Quotation and penalties reported
The article attributes the statement “These allegations are so deeply disturbing that they almost defy imagination” to “Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg.” Fear & Blood has not independently verified that attribution or title. The outlet also reports Ellaboudy faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
Context noted by the source
The piece claims President Trump redesignated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization on his first day back in office.
What’s missing
The underlying criminal complaint, charging documents, and official DOJ press release were not included in the source material. Several claims above are the outlet’s characterization of government allegations and have not been independently corroborated here.
