A preacher, known for influencing the 7/7 bombers, has expressed admiration for the White Widow while serving time in a high-security prison. Shaikh Abdullah al Faisal, aged 62, is currently incarcerated in a New York correctional facility for his association with ISIS. Previously deported from the UK in 2007 after a sentence for incitement to murder, Faisal was identified in a Home Office report as a significant influence on terrorist Germaine Lindsay.
US prosecutors labeled Faisal as one of the most influential English-speaking terrorists in 2023, attributing his recruitment of numerous extremists, including renowned figures like Richard Reid and Zacarias Moussaoui. Despite his imprisonment, Faisal continues to convey his ideologies, warning of the radicalization efforts by ISIS and Al Qaeda.
In correspondence with the Mirror from Attica jail, Faisal praised the White Widow, Samantha Lewthwaite, notorious for orchestrating the Westgate Mall attack in Kenya. Survivors of the 7/7 bombings have criticized Faisal’s intention to return to the UK for “deradicalization” purposes, highlighting concerns about his ongoing influence.
Sajda Mughal, a survivor of the 7/7 attacks, emphasized the risks posed by Faisal’s ability to propagate his extremist views from confinement. Former Head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, Chris Phillips, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of limiting communication with individuals like Faisal.
Faisal’s interactions with the outside world have been monitored, including his communication through a secure messaging service. Despite facing legal challenges in the US prison system, Faisal remains unrepentant, attributing his radicalization activities to external factors like Tony Blair and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Faisal, also known as the “Shaikh of Hate,” has a history of radical preaching that has influenced individuals like Germaine Lindsay, the 7/7 bomber. His past involvement in inciting violence and promoting extremist ideologies has led to convictions and subsequent deportations, yet he continues to wield influence even from behind bars.
The ongoing saga involving Faisal underscores the challenges posed by individuals radicalized by extremist ideologies and the enduring impact of their actions on global security.