CARSON STATEMENT ON REP. KING HEARING

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson released the following statement about today's hearing in the House Committee on Homeland and Security:
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"All forms of extremism should be investigated by law enforcement, and agencies should cooperate with each other to improve our response to ideologically-based violence. But we can achieve these results without televised hearings in the United States Congress that single out all Muslims for public scorn and suspicion by incorrectly asserting that they are not assisting our efforts.

"Since 9/11, peaceful Muslims have been integral to foiling terrorism. That cooperation grew from law enforcement outreach to, and collaboration with, the Muslim community. As a former law enforcement and Homeland Security official, I know how painstaking the process of creating trust is, and to have it undone or even measurably undercut would be tragic.

"The Committee should identify and encourage replication of the most effective outreach efforts into Muslim communities by law enforcement. In addition, the Committee should work to facilitate information sharing among all law enforcement agencies combating extremism in a manner that is discrete and effective rather than unnecessarily inflammatory and counter-productive.

"At a time when we should be strengthening relationships with Muslims worldwide to fight extremism, Representative King's hearing risks tearing down bridges we have built."

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