Father of Orlando Shooting Suspect: 'I Don't Think He Was Radicalized' - ABC News

The father of Omar Mateen, identified by officials as the shooter who killed at least 50 people at an Orlando gay nightclub early Sunday morning, said if he could ask his son one question, it would be: “Why?”

In an interview with ABC News at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida, Seddique Mateen said he was shocked and saddened to learn that his only son was the man authorities say is behind the carnage at Pulse nightclub.

“I didn’t see anything irregular with him. I saw him yesterday [Saturday] afternoon,” Seddique Mateen said. “It makes me upset, it makes me mad that I didn’t see anything unusual.”

Seddique Mateen and his wife were born in Afghanistan, and moved to the United States before having children. His son was born in New York and grew up in St. Lucie County, Florida. Seddique Mateen told ABC News his son was a family man and a devout Muslim who never showed any signs of extremism, violence or hatred.

“I don’t think he was radicalized,” Seddique Mateen said. “That’s what my gut feeling tells me.”

Seddique Mateen said this is the first he’s heard about his son’s abusive behavior toward Yusify. Omar Mateen later remarried and had a 3-year-old son with his new wife. Seddique Mateen said his daughter-in-law is “a typical American” and “a nice lady” who also never showed any signs of radicalism.

Seddique Mateen told ABC News he’s unsure of his son’s possible motive for the attack at Pulse nightclub, which bills itself on its website as "Orlando's Premier Gay Night Club." He said he and his wife raised their children to always be accepting of others.

“I didn’t raise him that way,” Seddique Mateen said. “We gave him enough love and care and education that he knew better.” - Read More

Father of Orlando Shooting Suspect: 'I Don't Think He Was Radicalized'

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