The congressional hearings on the “radicalization” of Muslims in the United States, initiated by Rep. Peter King, began on Thursday with King defending the hearings against critics who have said his inquiry could spurn hostility towards Muslim Americans.

“I remain convinced that these hearings must go forward. And they will,” King told a packed hearing room on Capitol Hill. “To back down would be a craven surrender to political correctness and an abdication of what I believe to be the main responsibility of this committee—to protect America from a terrorist attack.

King, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, said the hearings would not threaten national security as some have argued, but that they would probe into things like the “dangerous trend” of Al Qaeda targeting the American Muslim community for recruitment.

Those in support of the hearings say they are not similar to the McCarthy-era hearings against communist activity and will instead look into a growing threat that does not target law-abiding Muslims.

The main debate is heated over whether or not these hearings will fuel anti-Islamic sentiments or even perpetuate hostility amongst Muslims globally and the United States.

“I have repeatedly said the overwhelming majority of Muslim-Americans are outstanding Americans and make enormous contributions to our country,” he said. “But there are realities we cannot ignore…Despite what passes for conventional wisdom in certain circles, there is nothing radical or un-American in holding these hearings,” said King.

King represents New York’s 3 rd Congressional District, a district heavily affected by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. King referenced the plots to bomb Times Square and the subways in New York, as well as the shootings in 2009 at Ft. Hood, Texas, as examples of homegrown terrorism.

“Today, we must be fully aware that homegrown radicalization is part of Al Qaeda’s strategy to continue attacking the United States,” King said. “Today’s hearing will address this dangerous trend.”
Today was the first hearing entitled, “The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and that Community’s Response.” The hearing included testimony from Representative John D. Dingell of Michigan, Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca.

Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim-American Congressman, testified saying he is not in support of these hearings that he says will stigmatize a particular group in the United States, much like the Japanese Americans during World War II. However, Ellison thanked King for his “willingness to engage in dialogue.”

The Congressman’s testimony concluded with the emotional story of Mohammed Salman Hamdani, a 23-year-old paramedic, a New York City police cadet, and an American Muslim. Ellison shed tears during his retelling of Hamdani’s story. Hamdani’s mother attended the hearing.

“He was one of those brave first responders who tragically lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks almost a decade ago,” Ellison said. “His life should not be defined as a member of an ethnic group or a member of a religion, but as an American who gave everything for his fellow citizens.”

In the third panel, Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, President and Founder, American Islamic Forum for Democracy, gave a testimony that he said represented “the moderate Muslims” of America.

“We have got to be functional enough as a nation to be able walk back Muslim radicalization without labeling all Muslims and fostering a climate that increases fear of Muslims,” Jasser said. “Our founding fathers had healthy critical debates about religious diversity within Christianity and it built this great nation. We should be able to do the same.”

Jasser also spoke to Muslims in America and called for what King says lacks in the community – outstanding opposition to terrorism and radicalization.

“We Muslims must step away from history and redefine the moderate Muslim to our youth as someone who embraces Islam and liberty. I want us, Muslims to solve this but there has been no drive, no resources, no political will to do so. You [the attendees of the hearing] shouldn’t do it, but you can drive it and give us a long overdue platform.”

Mr. Melvin Bledsoe, a private citizen, also gave his testimony. Bledsoe is the father of Carlos Leon Bledsoe (aka) Abdul Hakim Mujahid Muhammad, a convert to Islam who was under FBI watch before and after going to Yemen.

Baca was the only law enforcement official in attendance.

“This plays directly into terrorist propaganda that the West’s war on terror is actually a war on Islam,” Baca said. “It is critical to build mutual understanding with Muslim American communities.”
He added that has had no problems with Council on American-Islamic Relations or any doubt in their commitment to security. King had earlier said that Muslims must reject CAIR, “which was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the terrorist financing case involving the Holyland Foundation.”

“Muslims are just as independent, just as feisty, just as concerned about their safety,” Baca said in the end. “They certainly don’t want their homes or mosques blown up.

You can find the full testimonies from the hearings here.