Immigrants accused of baseball field shooting obtained legal status under Biden
Imagine a peaceful Sunday at a youth baseball field shattered by gunfire, with children running for cover. On September 21, 2025, that nightmare became reality in Katy, Texas, as shots rang out during a pregame prayer at Ameripark, also known as The Rac.
Two immigrants granted legal status under the Biden administration, along with a third suspect, are now charged with a terrifying act of violence at a children’s baseball game, as Fox News reports.
In a shocking display of recklessness, Mustafa Mohammad Matalgah, 27, from Jordan, and Ahmad Mawed, 21, from Lebanon, face felony charges of deadly conduct with a firearm for allegedly firing toward the field.
Details of disturbing incident unfold
A third individual, Mahmood Abdelsalam Rababah, 23, is also charged in connection with the shooting, as confirmed by the Waller County Sheriff’s Office.
The gunfire came from a nearby pasture, targeting the field where young players of the Texas Colts, dressed in light blue jerseys, were gathered for a moment of reflection before their game.
Video footage captured the chaos -- 12-year-olds scrambling for safety as bullets whizzed by, and one adult collapsing near home plate after being struck.
Coach injured while protecting child
Amid the horror, a 27-year-old coach heroically tried to shield a child, taking a bullet to the shoulder for his bravery.
He was rushed to Memorial Herman Hospital in downtown Houston, where he received treatment and was thankfully released.
The Rac issued a statement suggesting the incident stemmed from “recreational shooting on a nearby property,” even mentioning “possible illegal hunting” as a factor, though local police were notified.
Legal status sparks policy debate
Here’s where the story takes a troubling turn: Matalgah was granted U.S. citizenship on Aug. 1, 2023, under the Biden administration.
That happened despite his history of arrests for drug possession, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Mawed, meanwhile, received lawful permanent resident status on June 3, 2021, through a visa category for children of U.S. citizens, as per DHS records.
Both men entered the country and gained legal standing during the current administration’s tenure, raising serious questions about the vetting process for such approvals.
Critics question Biden-era vetting process
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin didn’t hold back, stating, “Not only did Biden fail the American people by leaving our borders wide open to criminals, but he also legally allowed them to gain status and citizenship to terrorize our communities.”
While her words sting, they echo a growing frustration among many who feel that lax oversight on immigration policies has put communities at risk -- especially when children are caught in the crossfire.
Let’s be clear: the issue isn’t the individuals’ origins, but whether the system failed to prioritize public safety.
Contrast this with past efforts under President Donald Trump, when the U.S. State Department expanded screening for visa applicants, a move aimed at tightening security.
With both suspects held on a $100,000 bond, this incident at The Rac isn’t just a local tragedy -- it’s a glaring spotlight on federal policy. If vetting had been stricter, could this horror have been avoided?





