The father of Orlando shooter Omar Mateen is a well-known figure to many Afghans in the U.S. and Europe because he’s a political activist who hosts an Afghan-language TV show. Seddique Mateen styles himself as the leader of an Afghan government-in-exile. He is fiercely Pashtun, ultra-nationalistic, pro-Taliban, and believes Allah punishes homosexuals. His (late) son frequently attended mosque with him. Keep in mind that, in Afghan culture, elder respect is a big deal and independent thinking isn’t. Are we forming a picture here? Read story here.
Photo: Seddique Mateen, parental influencer of Orlando mass killer Omar Mateen