ISIS terrorist’s mother runs for Canada office

By Sohail Khan 9 September 2026, 11:30 pm

Benchmarks
Nifty23,431.50-203.6

Precious Metal
Gold (MCX) (Rs/10g.)153,770.001191.0

Enter search text:

Business News›News›International›Global Trends›Mother of ISIS terrorist who plotted to ‘create the next 9/11’ is running for public office in Canada, she says she wants ‘safe and welcoming’ schools

Read Today's Paper

Mother of ISIS terrorist who plotted to ‘create the next 9/11’ is running for public office in Canada, she says she wants ‘safe and welcoming’ schools
Synopsis

The mother of an ISIS terrorist convicted for plotting a deadly New York City attack inspired by plans to “create the next 9/11” is running for a school board trustee position in Canada. Dr. Khdiga R. Metwally says she “rejects violence and extremism in all forms” and wants voters to judge her on her education experience and plans for students and families.

Mother of ISIS terrorist who plotted to ‘create the next 9/11’ is running for public office in Canada<br> — El Bahnasawy was 20 when he became involved in a 2016 plot to carry out terrorist attacks in New York City

The mother of a convicted ISIS terrorist is running for public office in Canada, putting her family history under renewed scrutiny as she campaigns for a school board trustee position near Toronto.

Dr. Khdiga R. Metwally is on the ballot for Halton District School Board Ward 1 and 2 trustee. She is running in Milton, about 30 miles outside Toronto, where she has a background in education and human development, reports Daily Mail.

Her son, Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, is serving a 40-year US prison sentence after pleading guilty to terrorism charges over an ISIS-inspired plot targeting New York City.

Her son plotted attacks in New York

El Bahnasawy was 20 when he became involved in a 2016 plot to carry out terrorist attacks in New York City. Prosecutors said he was inspired to “create the next 9/11” and planned attacks involving explosives and shootings at heavily populated locations, including Times Square, the subway system and concert venues.

According to US prosecutors, he used encrypted messaging applications to communicate with other members of the group, acquired bomb-making materials and helped arrange a cabin that could be used to build explosives.

An undercover FBI agent infiltrated the group, and El Bahnasawy was arrested after traveling to New York from Canada in May 2016.

Metwally says she rejects extremism

Metwally has defended her candidacy while distancing herself from her son’s actions. “I have never supported any violent act committed by my son or anyone else,” she said.

She also described her son as mentally ill and said she “rejects violence and extremism in all forms.” Metwally said voters should judge her based on her own qualifications and record rather than her son’s criminal history.

Metwally has defended her candidacy while distancing herself from her son’s actions

“My candidacy should be evaluated on my qualifications, my previous experience in education, my plans to serve students and families in Milton, and the strong endorsements I have received from educators, community leaders, and respected members of the community.”

ALSO READ: Yellowstone’s Rip has finally been replaced in Dutton Ranch, and this new cowboy is taking over his old role

Her son later attacked prison officers

El Bahnasawy’s case did not end with his original terrorism conviction. In December 2020, while serving his sentence at a federal prison in Pennsylvania, he stabbed two correctional officers using a weapon made from part of a steel desk in his cell.

One officer suffered injuries that eventually resulted in the loss of his right eye. A note found in El Bahnasawy’s sock after he was restrained reportedly stated: “This is a terrorist attack for the Islamic State.”

He pleaded guilty to charges connected to that attack in November 2025 and faces additional sentencing.

Metwally had previously disputed the case

Metwally previously told the Toronto Sun that the terrorism allegations against her son were “fabricated” and claimed he had been manipulated by the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

However, a 2024 review by Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Review Agency determined that the RCMP had acted in good faith, according to CBC News.

Her campaign materials describe her as a certified human development instructor and say she supports “safe and welcoming learning environments.”

She has also spoken about her experience as a parent, telling Milton Today that her “children attended public schools through every stage.”

Metwally is competing against Andrew Wood, a pastor at Southside Community Church, who has said he wants public schools to focus more strongly on “classical education” and move away from politics and religion.

Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source
Add Now!

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

Read More News on
Khdiga MetwallyKhdiga Metwally CanadaISIS terroristAbdulrahman El BahnasawyISIS New York plotnext 9/11 plotCanada school board electionHalton District School BoardMilton Canada electionsafe and welcoming schools

Enter search text:

Continue reading with one of these options:
Limited Access
Free
Login to get access to some exclusive stories

& personalised newsletters
Login Now

Unlimited Access
Starting @ Rs120/month
Get access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &

in-depth stock reports
Subscribe Now

Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL

15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers

Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00

I'd rather pay ₹2599 now

Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!

Subscribe to gain powerful insights on business, stock market and industry trends.

Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off

Student Only Offer

Already a Member? Sign In now

Already a Member? Sign In now
Already a Member? Sign In now

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Special Offer

Get flat 40% off on ETPrime

Avail Offer
Avail Offer

Claim NowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Need Assistance?

Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance

+91 9484700004

' + h3 + '

' + h4 + '

' + listing + '

What’s Included with

ETPrime Membership

1Exclusive Insights That Matter

Uncover the truth with our investigative stories

Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies

Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends

Spot opportunities with in-depth insights that matter

Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US

What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising
Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.

Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?
Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?

The problem with lab grown diamonds
Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy

A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year