Father of Suspected Terrorist Speaks Out

Omar Hammami Shafik Hammami Father of Suspected Terrorist tells WKRG News 5's Mel Showers his son didn't learn radical views in his home state of Alabama.

by Mel Showers

Published: Thu, September 24, 2009 - 7:44 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, September 24, 2009 - 8:09 pm CST

Mobile, Alabama -
Shafik Hammami is the father of a suspected terrorist Omar Hammami. He says his son did not learn his radical views on American soil. Shafik says his son's appearance in a recent terrorist video shocked him and the entire Islamic community in Mobile.

In the video, Shafik's son Omar goes by the name of Abu Monsour Al-Amariki, or "the American." He talks of preparing to fight the enemy. In his most recent video, he pledges allegiance to Osama Bin Laden. His father says he believes his son was indoctrinated by militants in Somalia. Omar's wife is from Somalia and in 2006 he visited the country to meet with his in-laws. While in Somalia, the country was invaded by Ethiopia and he was trapped. Shafik said his son called him asking for help in getting out of the country. His passport had been stolen. Shafik said he contacted the FBI, the state department and Congressman Jo Bonner... His efforts failed because the United States has no diplomatic relations with Somalia. Shafik says he believes his son was given shelter from the fighting and chaos by militants who indoctrinated him to the ways of Al-Qaeda.

Shafik says his son never attended the local Islamic Academy. He says he graduated from Daphne High School and attended the University of South Alabama. He says, the local Islamic Academy does not teach nor condone violence. He says you can view their entire curriculum by visiting their Website.

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dnnybrnd Says:

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 7:48 am

IT’S SO SAD,THAT THE SOB IS STILL LIVING!

lillybell Says:

Sat, Oct 10, 2009 at 8:54 am

I hope they all go to prison!

dnnybrnd Says:

Fri, Sep 25, 2009 at 10:28 am

IF THAT IDIOT EVER COMES HOME,I WOULD HAVE TO THINK ABOUT KILLING HIM!

borntobe Says:

Fri, Sep 25, 2009 at 7:40 am

I can’t imagine what this family must be going through. It takes a lot of courage to speak out like Mr. Hammami has done when the world seems to be against you. You have my support, make that three southern white ladies on your side. May peace be with this family and his community.

stconk89 Says:

Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 10:48 pm

We need to come together Christian, Musiliums and all people of faith to call for a change of heart. People can be extreme on both side of the fence, and instead of outlashing in violence, and should seek forgiveness and peace.