New Jersey Democratic Congressional Candidate Faces Questions Over Past Ties to Convicted Terrorist
New Jersey Democratic Congressional Candidate Faces Questions Over Past Ties to Convicted Terrorist
A Democratic candidate running for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District is drawing scrutiny over his past association with Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as the “Blind Sheikh.”
Adam Hamawy reportedly served as a translator for Abdel-Rahman during the 1990s, including providing translation services in connection with the cleric’s 1995 federal trial. Abdel-Rahman was later convicted for his role in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing plot and seditious conspiracy.
According to court records and recent news reports, Hamawy had known the sheikh for several years, traveled with him on at least one occasion, and testified as a defense witness at the trial.
Hamawy’s campaign has described the renewed attention as an attempt at “guilt by association,” noting his subsequent military service as a U.S. Army doctor.
