Hamawy Faces Scrutiny Over 1991 Ties to Sheikh Linked to 1993 World Trade Center Bombing
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 30
Hamawy Faces Scrutiny Over 1991 Ties to Sheikh Linked to 1993 World Trade Center Bombing
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 30
Adam Hamawy’s congressional bid in New Jersey’s 12th District is drawing renewed scrutiny over a 1991 gap year when he spent time with Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman.
Rahman, a blind militant cleric who preached in New Jersey, was later convicted of inspiring violence tied to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and died in prison in 2017.
The attacks come as Hamawy has emerged as a front-runner in Tuesday’s crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman.
His campaign has been boosted by endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Hasan Piker, while pro-Palestinian PAC American Priorities has spent more than $1.5 million on ads promoting his work as a surgeon.
The race began with 17 Democrats and has narrowed to 12, with the primary winner heavily favored to capture the seat in November.
With a massive PAC investment, will a candidate's controversial past matter to voters tomorrow?
Can a celebrated humanitarian record overcome a documented history with known extremist figures?