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Omar Mateen's Father Apologizes After Orlando Pulse Massacre

Omar Mateen killed at least 50 people at a gay nightclub in Florida before he was fatally shot by SWAT officers.
Seddique Mir Mateen posted a video on Facebook on Monday.
Seddique Mir Mateen posted a video on Facebook on Monday.via Facebook

The Orlando gunman's father publicly apologized for the bloodbath carried out by his son, saying early Monday he doesn't know what caused the massacre.

American-born Omar Mateen, 29, killed at least 49 people at a gay nightclub in Florida before he was shot dead by SWAT officers. Law enforcement sources told NBC News Mateen — who worked as a security guard — swore allegiance to the leader of ISIS moments before the rampage.

Sediqque Mir Mateen told NBC News that he hates "terrorism" and "ISIS" — saying that "they should be destroyed."

He added: "I always [was] telling him that ... the terrorists and terrorism are the enemy of the whole humanity."

The elder Mateen also posted a video on Facebook saying his son was a "very good boy" who lived a "dignified life and respected his parents."

Related: Orlando Gunman Described as Racist and 'Toxic'

"I don't know what has caused him to do this," the elder Mateen said in the video. "I was not aware that he had hatred."

In an interview with NBC News, the gunman's father also said he "didn't see anything different" in his behavior in the hours prior to the attack.

"I wish he was alive. I could ask him one question ... why did he do this?" he added. "He got enough attention from the family, good education, good life and with a good job. So I am as shocked as you are."

The gunman's dad said that he would like to visit with victims' families "when the time is right."

The elder Mateen added: "I am very angry and mad at him."

Officials have said his son legally purchased the Sig Sauer MCX, an AR-15-style weapon, used to gun down club-goers within the last week.

The elder Mateen — who lives in the U.S. and frequently posts videos about politics in his homeland of Afghanistan — apologized for his son's actions on Monday.

"I am really sorry and have expressed this to the people of the United States, especially in this holy month of Ramadan," Mateen added in the Facebook video. "What he has done has shocked me … I ask God for help and guidance."

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the elder Mateen told NBC News his son recently had become angry after seeing two men kissing, suggesting that may have inspired the attack.