A political controversy is growing after reports resurfaced about Democratic congressional candidate Adam Hamawy’s past connection to Omar Abdel-Rahman, the extremist cleric known as the “Blind Sheikh.” Abdel-Rahman was convicted for his role in plots linked to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and other terror conspiracies in the United States.
According to published reports, Hamawy testified as a defense witness during the Sheikh’s 1995 trial and at times assisted with translation during the early 1990s. Critics have used the information to question Hamawy’s judgment and political background, while supporters argue the accusations are misleading and based on guilt by association rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
There is no public evidence that Hamawy was involved in terrorism or affiliated with al-Qaeda. His campaign has strongly rejected the attacks, pointing instead to his military service and medical career. The issue has now become a flashpoint in an increasingly heated congressional race.
