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

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.


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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.

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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.

“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.”

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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.