As Hillary Clinton addressed voters in Florida and spoke of the Orlando shooting, among those listening intently was the father of the man who killed 49 people.
A local television channel captured footage of Ms Clinton this week speaking in Kissimmee, just south of Orlando. She began her speech by paying tribute to those countless number of people affected by June’s attack on the Pulse nightclub that left so many dead and injured.
“I know how many people, families, loved ones, and friends are still grieving, and we will be with you as you rebuild your lives,” she said.
WOW: Openly pro-Taliban father of Orlando Shooter, Seddique Mateen, was front and center at Hillary's rally.https://t.co/xciidOoUyx— Watch Clinton Cash (@JaredWyand) August 9, 2016
Among those paying attention to the address was the father of the killer, Omar Mateen, who was shot and killed by police officers who stormed the club, which was popular with the LGBTQ community.
Mateen’s father, Seddique Mateen, who had made a Clinton sign to carry at the event, told the WPTV channel that he and his family members had been cooperating with federal investigators probing the attack on the club.
It's not Clinton's fault but imagine the outrage that would follow Mateen's attendance at a Trump event https://t.co/aPW6nskBCn @BecketAdams— Sarah Westwood (@sarahcwestwood) August 9, 2016
Asked about his decision to attend the event, he added: “I spoke a lot about that and wish that my son joined the Army and fought Isis. That would be much better.”
When questioned whether Ms Clinton’s campaign knew he was going to the event and sitting directly behind the presidential candidate, Mr Mateen said: “It's a Democratic party, so everyone can join.”
With files from the Independent
