A 51-year-old Department of Energy employee from Richland, Washington, Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Houthis, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. 

Federal authorities allege Ellaboudy traveled from Oman into Yemen in 2025 using a government-issued passport and attempted to reach Houthi-controlled territory.

Investigators say he purchased materials that could be used for explosives and drones and later provided technical assistance involving communications equipment and power systems.

Authorities also allege that he misrepresented his overseas travel to U.S. border officials, saying it was for government business even though his supervisor said he had not been authorized to travel there, KOMO News has reported.

The Department of Energy said the alleged activities did not threaten the Hanford nuclear site or its workforce, while Ellaboudy faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted; the charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.