Convicted ISIS terrorist’s mother runs for school board in Ontario

Khdiga R. Metwally is a candidate for Halton District School Board trustee in Milton, with the election scheduled to take place on October 26. Metwally filed her candidacy in June.

Her son, Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, was born in Kuwait and is a Canadian citizen. Bahnasawy was accused by the US Attorney’s Office of using encrypted messaging to communicate with men in Pakistan and the Philippines about a plan to carry out bombings and shootings in New York City during Ramadan. The plot was connected with ISIS, and Bahnasawy was 17 years old when the chats first started.

Bahnasawy had purchased bomb-making materials and planned various aspects of the attack, including identifying subway locations and obtaining a cabin near New York City where he could build the explosive devices. He also discussed carrying out the “next 9/11.”

In 2016, he pleaded guilty and, two years later, was sentenced to 40 years. As he was sentenced, Metwally cried out in court, “This is a sick boy! This is crazy. You have no justice,” according to a report by The Western Standard.

Metwally has since blamed Canada for her son’s arrest, saying he had been on a mental health waiting list when he was arrested in connection with the plot. In a statement to the Daily Mail, Metwally said she “rejects violence and extremism in all forms.”

“I have never supported any violent act committed by my son or anyone else,” she claimed. “My candidacy should be evaluated on my qualifications, my previous experience in education, my plans to serve students and families in Milton, and the strong endorsements I have received from educators, community leaders, and respected members of the community.”

Despite her son’s criminal history, Metwally has campaigned on a pledge to create “safe and welcoming learning environments.”