The father of Ahmad Khan Rahami, the suspect police arrested Monday in connection with the weekend bombings in New York and New Jersey, reportedly told New Jersey police two years ago that his son "was a terrorist," The New York Times reported Tuesday. Mohammad Rahami's accusation followed an incident in 2014 where Ahmad tried to stab his brother.
The Joint Terrorism Task Force was informed of Mohammad's accusation, but he later recanted the claim in an interview. The Times reports that an official from the task force "said the father made the comment out of anger at his son."
When police took Ahmad into custody Monday after a shootout in New Jersey, they found him carrying a notebook that suggests he sympathized with "jihadist causes." The notebook also reportedly contains an entry discussing "'killing the kuffar,' or the unbeliever," the Times said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Ahmad has already been charged with five counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer after two police officers were injured in the New Jersey shootout. Ahmad is being investigated for the bombings in New Jersey's Seaside Park, on the Jersey Shore, and in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood. Though two bombs were planted in Chelsea, only one detonated, injuring 29 people.
-
Israel starts Gaza assault, approves West Bank planSpeed Read Israel forces pushed into the outskirts of Gaza City and Netanyahu's government gave approval for a settlement to cut the occupied Palestinian territory in two
-
Conservatism is rising. Just look at the music.In the spotlight The radio reflects American culture
-
Brooklyn vs. the Beckhams: trouble in paradiseIn the Spotlight Scion of the Beckham clan and billionaire heiress wife Nicola Peltz staged an elaborate vow renewal – and none of his family were on the guest list
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs saySpeed Read
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?Speed Read
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign portSpeed Read
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'Speed Read
