Orlando Shooter’s Father Spotted at Clinton Rally

Seddique Mateen, the father of Orlando nightclub shooter Omar Mateen, was caught on camera attending a Monday rally for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, according to WPTV-TV.

Following the mass shooting perpetrated by his son at a gay nightclub that left at least 49 dead and more than 50 others wounded, Mateen posted a controversial video in which he declared, "God will punish those involved in homosexuality.”

When questioned by WPTV about his attendance at the rally, Mateen initially refused to comment, saying only, "We've been cooperating with the federal government, and that's about it.”

He later agreed to be interviewed by WPTV, telling the news station, "Hillary Clinton is good for United States versus Donald Trump, who has no solutions."

Mateen evaded questions about attending an event so close to Orlando, where the shooting took place. "I spoke a lot about that and wish that my son joined the Army and fought ISIS. That would be much better," he said.

Asked if Clinton's campaign knew he would be in attendance at the rally sitting directly behind the presidential candidate, Mateen replied, "It's a Democratic Party, so everyone can join."

Mateen also said that people shouldn’t be “surprised” by his attendance at the rally. “I love the United States, and I've been living here a long time," Mateen said.

During her remarks at the rally, Clinton addressed the Orlando shooting.

Bill and I were in Orlando about two weeks ago, and we had a chance to sit down with Mayor Dyer, other elected officials, members of the clergy, of the brave police officers who rushed into the Pulse nightclub massacre to save lives. Met with some of the surgeons who were there in the hospital to receive the wounded. And I just have to tell you how grateful I am for the leadership and the people of Orlando and Central Florida for your love and compassion. And I know how many people, loved ones and friends, are still grieving. And I want them to know that we will be with you. We will be with you as you rebuild your lives, as you rebuild hope for the future, because we can’t ever let that kind of hatred and violence break the spirit, break the soul, of any place in America.

Clinton’s campaign told CNN that they were not aware of Mateen’s presence at the rally.

Watch Mateen’s interview:

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