The family of Usaamah Rahim spoke out today and said claimed Usaamah showed no signs of radicalization.
Security officials had been tracking Usaamah for months.
Rahim is from a devout Muslim family who said the terrorist showed no signs of being radicalized.
Rhim’s brother, a Muslim imam in , claimed his brother was shot in the back (he wasn’t) and his last words were, “I can’t breathe.” (they weren’t)
NECN reported:
The family of Usaamah Rahim said they saw no signs that he had been radicalized or had any connections to ISIS.
“That comes as an absolute surprise to his family,” said Robert Sullivan, the family’s attorney. “They had not perceived any conduct or change in demeanor consistent with those reports.”
The lawyer said it also came as “a complete shock” that Rahim allegedly threatened to kill police.
Sullivan spoke on behalf of several familiy members – including Rahim’s mother and brother – at a press conference Thursday. He said the family is not making any claims at this time, instead waiting for evidence to form “a reasoned and informed opinion.”
Rahim is expected to be buried on Friday, Sullivan said, and the family is asking for privacy.
Sullivan said family members are expected to travel to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office later Thursday to view the surveillance video of Rahim’s shooting.
Usaamah Rahim was targeting Pamela Geller to behead her.