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Omar Mateen’s father Seddique Mateen posted series of videos online declaring himself Afghan leader

THE father of the gunman in the Orlando nightclub massacre has posted a bizarre series of videos on social media declaring himself leader of Afghanistan and said God will punish those involved in homosexuality.

Omar Mateen’s father Seddique describes himself as a “politician” on a page calledProvisional Government of Afghanistan — Seddique Mateen.

He appears in several videos wearing army fatigues in front of the Afghan flag. In a post after the deadly shooting which is the worst in US history, he says the family is shocked by the “tragic” news.

“I am deeply saddened and announce this to the people of America,” he said according to Washington Post reports while noting the shooting took place during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

But he also warned: “God himself will punish those involved in homosexuality.”

“This, is not for the servants” of God.

Mr Mateen also said his family was struggling to comprehend the news after his son was named as the shooter in the terror attack on Pulse nightclub that left 50 dead and 53 injured.

“We are saying we are apologising for the whole incident. We weren’t aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country,” he told media earlier.

Seddique Mateen’s father had declared himself the provisional leader of Afghanistan. Picture: Facebook.

Seddique Mateen’s father had declared himself the provisional leader of Afghanistan. Picture: Facebook.Source:Supplied

Authorities are working to piece together the background of the family after it emerged Omar Mateen phoned emergency services to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State before the horrifying attack.

Meanwhile, candlelight vigils and tributes to those killed have sprung up in Orlando and around the world.

Public records also show Seddique Mateen hosted a YouTube show whe-re he weighed in on Afghan politics called Durand Jirga. The name refers to the Durand Line — a border between Afghanistan and Pakistan which has been disputed for years.

One year ago he posted a video announcing his candidacy for the President of Afghanistan and he has also published videos called “Rise Afghan people against Pakistan”.

Omar Mateen had been interviewed twice by the FBI but was not deemed to be a threat. Picture: MySpace

Omar Mateen had been interviewed twice by the FBI but was not deemed to be a threat. Picture: MySpaceSource:Supplied

It remains unclear exactly what Seddique Mateen’s political views were as a former Afghan official told AFP the channel the videos appeared on traditionally supports the Afghan Taliban. Another former colleague said the content was pro-American.

Florida company incorporation documents show the Durand Jirga Inc was incorporated as a domestic non-profit business in November 2010 which is deemed to be ‘active’

Mr Mateen is listed as a director of the company which is registered to the same address it is thought Omar lived at.

On Monday Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, saying one of their “soldiers” was able to carry out a “security invasion” at a “crusader gathering”.

Omar Mateen, 29, had previously worked as a security guard and wanted to become a police officer before he carried out the deadly shooting. He was described by others as quiet and solitary.

His ex-wife Sirtoa Yusufiy said he was “mentally unstable” and she left him after four months because he was abusive towards her.

Mr Mateen had no criminal record but had been interviewed twice by FBI agents.

Sitora Yusufiy, the ex-wife of Orlando shooting suspect Omar Mateen, said he was abusive and mentally unstable. Picture: Autumn Parry/Daily Camera via AP.

Sitora Yusufiy, the ex-wife of Orlando shooting suspect Omar Mateen, said he was abusive and mentally unstable. Picture: Autumn Parry/Daily Camera via AP.Source:AP


Author: News Australia

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