Suspected Terrorist’s Father Talks With News 5

Alabama Mobile Shafik Hammami says he does not agree with his son Omar's actions.

by WKRG Staff

Published: Wed, September 23, 2009 - 4:37 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, September 23, 2009 - 5:30 pm CST

DAPHNE, Alabama - Two weeks ago, we learned about Omar Hammami, who was born and raised in Daphne, Alabama and who was linked a terrorist group in Somalia.
Extremist websites were showing video featuring a terrorist called Abu Mansour al-Amriki.
Al-Amriki's real name is Omar Hammami and his terrorist grounp is linked to Al-Qaeda
After that story broke, Shafik Hammami, Omar's father, Shafik Hammami, contacted News 5's Mel Showers, saying he wanted to tell people about his son.
Shafik says it has been 3 years since he and his wife heard from Omar. "I decided to come out today is not to defend him or defend his actions because I do not agree with his actions. I do not agree with his philosophy... But I do want to make it clear to everyone whose listening to us today that the Islamic society of Mobile is part of the community. We are a part of the social fabric of Mobile. We've been here for decades."
Shafik Hammami says he last spoke with Omar in December of 2006 when Omar called him from Somalia, saying someone had stolen his passport.
Omar's wife is from Somalia and they had gone there for a short visit.
Shafik says his some pleaded with him for help in getting him out. "I contacted the FBI, I contacted the State Department, I contacted my Congressman Bonner, went to his office filled out a report, requested they expedite some temporary paper work so they could get him out of the country because he has no paperwork. So to my dismay, I learned that nothing the U.S. could do because we had no diplomatic relations with that country."
Shafik says he feels it was then and there that his son was indoctrinated by the militants in Somalia who may have offered him shelter during the fighting and unrest.
As for his son's future, Shafik says, "I have no idea what's going to happen to him, I just wish him the best and I hope God will protect him"

WKRG.com » News Stream » Alabama

Video
Photo
Map

Embed:

WKRG.com Related

News –› Alabama

News –› Mobile

Discuss this in the forum

Email to a Friend

Printer Friendly

Download Video

lovepeace Says:

Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 9:39 pm

Stella, that was one of the loveliest posts I’ve ever seen on here. Thank you for taking the time to share your kind thoughts.

To the family… I don’t know you, but you are definitely in my prayers. What a nightmare for you to lose your son, regardless of the circumstances. The Islamic community as a whole is not responsible for the actions of one individual. Rest assured that you have at least one more born-n-raised southern, Alabama football watching, white woman who says that you are very welcome here.

wasp Says:

Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 8:35 pm

I have never done this in my life. I always have opinions about what is going on, but, I keep them to myself(most of the time). I am a 61 year old southern female WASP. I have always had respect for other peoples opinions and religions no matter how unpopular they were.
The reason I am writing is I want WKRG to please let Mr. Shafik Hammami and his family know that I care very deeply for all of them. I know this is a very difficult time for them and they are in my prayers. I pray they will have the strength to handle whatever may come. I understand love. I have a husband, children and grandchildren that I don’t always agree with (most of the time actually). We may not be of the same religious beliefs (I do believe we are closer in our beliefs than different), but, this is one Southern White Woman who hopes nothing but the best for you and your family.
With Respect to all,
Stella