Key facts
- Rep. Mike Lawler is seeking a full investigation into Dr. Adam Hisham Hamawy.
- Dr. Adam Hisham Hamawy won the Democratic primary for a Central Jersey seat.
- Hamawy previously served as a defense witness for terrorist Omar Abdel-Rahman.
- Hamawy also volunteered with an organization designated a financier of terrorism.
- Lawler expressed concerns about Hamawy's fitness to serve in Congress and access sensitive information.
US Representative Mike Lawler has confirmed he will seek a full investigation into Dr. Adam Hisham Hamawy, a Democratic nominee for a Central Jersey congressional seat. Hamawy's ties to Omar Abdel-Rahman, the mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and his volunteer work with an organization designated a financier of terrorism have raised concerns for Lawler. Lawler, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee, stated that Hamawy's resume is disqualifying for someone who would have access to sensitive national security information. Hamawy, a combat plastic surgeon, previously testified voluntarily for Abdel-Rahman and has defended his past associations, attributing some criticism to Islamophobia. Neighboring Congressman Josh Gottheimer also expressed "serious questions and deep concerns" regarding Hamawy's connections to terrorist organizations. Hamawy won a 12-way Democratic primary and will face Professor Gregg Mele in the general election.