Plastic surgeon who testified for 1993 WTC bombing cleric wins NJ Dem primary Adam Hisham Hamawy, a former Army combat medic, won a Democratic primary for a House seat in New Jersey. He faced scrutiny for his past testimony on behalf of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, who was convicted in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Despite opposition and concerns raised by some politicians, Hamawy secured the nomination with support from progressive figures and a pro-Palestinian super PAC.

• Adam Hisham Hamawy won a 12-way Democratic primary for a House seat in New Jersey.
• Hamawy previously testified for Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, convicted in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
• His campaign stated that past associations with Abdel Rahman amount to “guilt-by-association” shaming.
• Hamawy was endorsed by prominent progressives, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
• A pro-Palestinian super PAC, American Priorities, supported his campaign.
• Some politicians, like Rep. Josh Gottheimer, expressed “deep concerns” about Hamawy’s associations.
• Hamawy also faced questions over ties to a now-shuttered al Qaeda-linked front group.
• Senator Tammy Duckworth credited Hamawy with saving her life in the Middle East in 2004.
• Hamawy recently returned from a humanitarian trip to Gaza, where he witnessed “atrocities” targeting medical colleagues.