MARIETTA, Ga. — A National Islamic leader from New York City was in Marietta to attend a news conference in a show of support with City Leaders. The show of solidarity followed a fire at a Marietta mosque that investigators said was intentionally set.
At the news conference, the main Islamic spokesperson talked about tolerance, peace and diversity.
But Channel 2 Action News recognized that spokesman as someone who has been named an alleged unindicted co- conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
"We are taught as Muslims that we must defend the churches and the synagogues," said Imam Sirhaj Wahhaj.
While Wahhaj presented himself as a man of peace, he is on the terror watch list. Federal prosecutors named him an alleged unindicted co conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. In the 90s Wahhaj made passionate speeches across America promoting radical Islam.
"You don't need to arm people with 9 millimeters and uzis … you need to arm them with righteousness first. Once you arm them with righteousness first then you can arm them."
The tapes of Wahhaj still circulate, but in a recent interview with Channel 2 Action News, Wahhaj claimed that he is now a man of peace and has never been involved in terrorism.
"I take an oath in front of the world that I have never ever-swear by Allah ... have never plotted against this nation ! No way!" said Wahhaj.
WSBTV
