Wasn't there an article that said that Padilla was already wearing a towel (or whatever they call their hats) in 1993? It sounds like you gotta be hardcore to wear those ugly hats.
An unnamed State Department source said he went over the edge in 1993; there are mentions that he picked up the peaceful faith while in jail/prison in 1992.
Don't fall for this 1998 and beyond crap.