REPORT: NewsChannel 5 asked Mateen what he was thinking about when Clinton spoke about the Orlando incident.
“We’ve been cooperating with the federal government, and that’s about it,” he said. “Thank you.” Mateen didn’t want to answer any other questions, but just hours later, we ran into him by chance at a rest stop on the way back to West Palm Beach. He wanted to do an interview and show us a sign he made for Clinton.
“Hillary Clinton is good for United States versus Donald Trump, who has no solutions,” he said.
We asked what went into his decision to go to the event right near Orlando, where the Pulse Nightclub shooting happened.
“I spoke a lot about that and wish that my son joined the Army and fought ISIS. That would be much better,” he said.
When questioned whether Clinton’s campaign knew he was going to the event and sitting directly behind the presidential candidate, Mateen said, ” It’s a Democratic party, so everyone can join.”
Finally we asked if he thought some people would be surprised to see him there, especially given the proximity to Orlando.
“Why should they be surprised? I love the United States, and I’ve been living here a long time,” Mateen said.
