White House praises Muslims

Associated Press

STERLING, Va.

The White House on Sunday praised American Muslims for helping fight violent extremism, but a House leader on terrorism issues said they aren’t cooperating enough with law enforcement to counter the radicalization of young followers by al-Qaida-linked groups.

Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough, speaking at an interfaith forum at a Northern Virginia mosque, commended its members for taking “an unequivocal stand against terrorism.”

“You’ve sent a message that those who perpetrate such horrific attacks do not represent you or your faith, and that they will not succeed in pitting believers of different faiths against one another,” McDonough said.

But Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, re-asserted warnings about al-Qaida terrorists targeting Muslim youth in this country.

“The overwhelming majority of Muslims are outstanding Americans, but at this stage in our history there’s an effort ... to radicalize elements within the Muslim community,” he said in a preview of his hearing Thursday on the extent of the problem and the Muslim community’s response.