Terrorist-Linked Dem Rides ‘Squad’ Support To Primary Victory

On Tuesday, Egyptian-born Adam Hamawy, a defense witness for a convicted terrorist dubbed the “Blind Sheikh,” won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.

Dr. Hamawy, a veteran U.S. Army combat surgeon, gained national attention when he scored endorsements from big-name “Squad” members, like far-Left Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). Democratic-socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) also backed Hamawy.

During his time as a combat surgeon, Hamawy helped save the life of Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), when her Black Hawk helicopter was struck down by a rocket-propelled grenade in 2004. However, he’s facing scrutiny for his role in a World Trade Center bombing trial, where he defended the so-called “Blind Sheikh,” and for his past work with a now-defunct organization that provided support to terrorist group al-Qaeda.

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In 1995, Hamawy testified as a defense witness during a terrorism trial for Muslim cleric Omar Abdel-Rahman, A.K.A. the Blind Sheikh. Hamawy said he had accompanied Abdel-Rahman to a conference in Detroit and disputed some allegations about the cleric’s statements. As highlighted by the New York Post, he notably testified that Abdel-Rahman’s remarks about “conquering the land of the infidels” were being taken “out of context” by prosecutors.

Abdel-Rahman was convicted of helping plan terrorist attacks and was linked to the group responsible for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

A spokesperson for Hamawy has tried to distance the congressional hopeful from the terrorist, stating that, at the time, Abdel-Rahman “was one of very few religious figures in what was then a very small Muslim community in New Jersey,” adding, “Dr. Hamawy condemns that man’s violent rhetoric and actions, and all violence, hatred, and terrorism — and he will always. Dr. Hamawy had no contact with this person after they were arrested.”

In 1994, Hamawy also worked with the Benevolence International Foundation, a nonprofit where he helped deliver medical supplies to hospitals during the Bosnian War. However, in 2002, Bosnian authorities raided the group’s offices as part of a joint effort with the United States to dismantle Benevolence International Foundation, which they identified as a front for Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda, according to Jewish Insider. The 9/11 Commission also found that the group’s base was part of an “impressive array of offices [that] covertly provided financial and other support for terrorist activities” that Osama bin Laden established in the early 1990s.

Reacting to Hamawy’s win, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), posted, “How in the hell has a defense witness in the 1993 WTC bombing, with ties to Al-Qaeda been nominated by the Democrats to serve in Congress? If elected in November, Congress should fully investigate his ties to terrorist organizations and determine whether he is fit to serve.”

How in the hell has a defense witness in the 1993 WTC bombing, with ties to Al-Qaeda been nominated by the Democrats to serve in Congress?

If elected in November, Congress should fully investigate his ties to terrorist organizations and determine whether he is fit to serve. https://t.co/Ss5TqKmdU0

— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) June 3, 2026

Similarly, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) wrote, “This guy was a defense witness in the 1993 WTC bombing (allegedly with ties to Al-Qaeda). There is no way he can have a security clearance. National security risk.”

This guy was a defense witness in the 1993 WTC bombing (allegedly with ties to Al-Qaeda). There is no way he can have a security clearance. National security risk. https://t.co/vyk1AlEE1I

— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) June 3, 2026

Hamawy will face off against Republican Gregg Mele on November 3 for the New Jersey congressional seat. He’s heavily favored to win, as the district is considered a safe Democrat seat.