The mother of a man convicted for his role in plotting ISIS-inspired terrorist attacks in New York City is running for a school board position in Milton, Ontario, putting her family background under renewed scrutiny.

Khadiga Metwally is seeking a seat representing Wards 1 and 2 on the Halton District School Board, which oversees education for thousands of students in the rapidly growing community west of Toronto.

Metwally has previously defended her son, Abdulrahman El-Bahnasawy, who was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison in the United States after being convicted in connection with a planned terrorist attack targeting New York City.

Mother Criticized Government’s Role in Son’s Case
Metwally previously told the Toronto Sun that she believed her son had been treated unfairly and alleged that he had been manipulated by the FBI with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

She also claimed that her son was experiencing a manic episode and was not receiving treatment at the time.

El-Bahnasawy was arrested as a teenager after investigators uncovered his involvement in plans for terrorist attacks in New York.

According to federal prosecutors, he discussed plans to detonate explosives in Times Square and the New York City subway system and to carry out shootings at concert venues.

Prosecutors also said he obtained bomb-making materials and helped arrange a cabin that could have been used to construct explosive devices and prepare for the planned attacks.

Metwally Campaigns on School Safety and Inclusion
Despite the controversy surrounding her son, Metwally is campaigning on issues including school safety, inclusion and student well-being.

In a candidate questionnaire published by Milton Today, she said her priorities include creating schools free from hate, racism, discrimination and bullying.

She also emphasized the importance of timely mental-health support, pointing to personal family experience as part of her perspective on early intervention and compassionate care.

Metwally has also highlighted her daughter’s achievements, including recognition as one of York University’s Top 30 under 30 in 2022 and later work with the United Nations.

School District Previously Faced National Controversy
Metwally’s campaign comes in a school district that has previously faced significant public controversy.

Oakville Trafalgar High School, part of the Halton District School Board, attracted international attention in 2022 after teacher Kayla Lemieux appeared in classrooms wearing extremely large prosthetic breasts.

The situation sparked intense debate over school policies, gender identity and the rights of students and staff. The school board defended its handling of the matter at the time and said it was supporting the teacher’s rights.

Lemieux was later placed on leave and left the school in 2023 following months of controversy surrounding the issue.

The controversy also resulted in security concerns and bomb threats, according to reports at the time.

It was later reported that Lemieux began teaching in another school district. Her current employment status was not immediately clear.

Election Campaign Draws Attention
Metwally’s candidacy now brings a different controversy into focus as voters consider candidates for the Halton District School Board.

Her son’s conviction and her past public comments about his case are likely to remain part of the discussion surrounding her campaign, while Metwally has presented herself as a candidate focused on safe, inclusive and supportive schools.

The Halton District School Board had not immediately responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Course: NY Post