U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on Monday rejected efforts to disparage Muslims in America, saying he is focused on blocking the Islamic State’s attempts to recruit them.
“Vilifying Muslim communities in this country is frankly contrary to our homeland security interests,” Johnson, a Morehouse College alum, told the Rotary Club of Atlanta at the Loudermilk Center. “Building bridges to these communities — encouraging them to work with us — is vital.”
Johnson didn’t single anyone out during his speech, but he has criticized Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the past for proposing to bar Muslims from entering the U.S. Trump pitched that idea following the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks that killed 130 in Paris. The Islamic State, a terrorist group seeking to create its own caliphate, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Johnson said he has been reaching out to Muslims across the nation.
“We are working with the tech sector,” he said, “to help Muslim communities build the message that counters the targeting and the efforts of the Islamic State.”
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
