Father of Suspected Terrorist Speaks Out

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.