Father Of Pulse Nightclub Shooter Attends Clinton Rally
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The father of the Pulse nightclub shooter was spotted at a campaign event for Hillary Clinton in central Florida. Seddique Mateen was standing in a crowd behind Clinton during the Monday night event in Kissimmee.
During her speech, Clinton paid tribute to those affected by the Pulse nightclub shooting.
"And I know how many people, family members, loved ones and friends are still grieving," she told the crowd.
But right behind her in the crowd was a man with a mustache and red hat. He's the father of Omar Mateen who fatally shot 49 people and injured another 53 on June 12th. He was killed by law enforcement officers following a three-hour standoff.
When the Clinton campaign rally was over, Mateen was asked, "What were you thinking about when she was talking about the Orlando incident?" He replied, "We've been cooperating with the federal government, FBI and that's about it. Thank you."
Seddique Mateen didn't want to answer any other questions at that time but just hours later, cameras spotted him again at a rest stop on the way to South Florida and he was more willing to talk.
"Clinton is good for the United States versus Donald Trump," he said. He also showed off a sign he made in support of Clinton.
"Well I felt like to tell you why I stopped to talk to you because very important for United States of America, especially the election. I was invited by the Democratic party," he explained.
He says he found out about the event in an email sent to democratic voters.
"So it came out, I'm a member, so as I member I get the invitations. Nothing particular about it," he said.
When asked about the rally's proximity to Orlando, he replied, "I wish that my son joined the army and fought ISIS and destroyed ISIS. That would be much better." He went on and said "I love the United States and I've been living here a long time."
A Clinton campaign official said Tuesday that Mateen was not invited to attend the 3,000-person, open-door public event and that the campaign wasn't aware he was there until it ended.