12th District Democrats trade barbs over candidate’s ties to the ‘blind sheikh’

In 1995, congressional hopeful Adam Hamawy testified for the defense at blind cleric Omar Abdel Rahman’s terrorism trial. One of Hamawy’s rivals said voters should know more.

By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: May 27, 2026

Words: 828

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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A Democrat running in a crowded House primary is defending his past connection to the late Omar Abdel Rahman, the blind cleric who was convicted in 1995 of planning a bombing campaign intended to destroy the United Nations and other New York City landmarks.

Physician Adam Hamawy, one of 12 Democrats vying for their party’s nod in the 12th Congressional District on June 2, testified for the defense at Abdel Rahman’s trial, …

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