An Egyptian national has pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges after an incident at a gas station in Las Cruces, New Mexico. According to court documents, on May 12, 2025, Moustafa Mahmoud Abdelnabi Salem threatened another individual by pulling out a handgun, chambering a round, and pointing it at the victim.
After the altercation, the victim contacted an officer from the Las Cruces Police Department. When questioned by police at the scene, Salem claimed that he had been assaulted with a large knife and denied using a firearm against the victim. He also refused to let officers retrieve the handgun from his vehicle, which raised further suspicion about his possession of the weapon.
Further investigation revealed that Salem was unlawfully present in the United States after overstaying his visitor visa. CCTV footage from the gas station reportedly showed Salem as the aggressor during the incident.
Salem pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced. After serving his sentence, he will be subject to deportation as an aggravated felon.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.”
The case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office with support from Homeland Security Investigations El Paso and assistance from local law enforcement agencies including the Las Cruces Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Tonkin.
