Locals react to suspected terrorist

DAPHNE, Ala. - A Daphne high school graduate is accused of leading a terrorist group.

Fox News is reporting Omar Hammami is now known as Abu Mansour al-Amriki or "The American" and he's living in Somalia with ties to Al-Qaeda.

"Omar was just a typical teenager. I do remember him, which means we probably had some interaction," said Daphne Principal Don Blanchard.

Blanchard says he was shocked to hear what Hammami might be involved in.

"It was a big surprise," he said. "You never think a kid you knew at such a young age would get involved in something like that."

Hammami also attended the University of South Alabama.

We interviewed him in 2001, describing his faith.

"Islam is a diverse religion that kind of has a lot of misconceptions surrounding it," Hammami said.

Controversy now surrounds this former student, who is believed to be at the center of terrorist recruitment.

"We never know what the future is for our kids, but we have to remember our values and ideals, but ultimately we make our own choices," said Blanchard.

Fox 10 News also spoke with Hammami's father, who happens to be the President of the Islamic Society of Mobile.

He said, "This is a big misunderstanding," but he wouldn't comment beyond that.