The line for the public to get into the Homeland Security hearing on the radicalization of Muslim Americans headed by Rep. King extends the length of the hall in the Cannon House Office Building before what is sure to be an intense day on the Hill. Six people have been called to testify before the committee, representing all sides of the politically charged issue.
Human Rights First released a statement this morning saying, "The hearing is counterproductive and believes it may undermine attempts to address ongoing threats to national security."
Meanwhile, Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, President and Founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy will testify today and has stated he believes more action is needed within the Muslim community to speak out against terrorism and that the hearings are a necessary step in securing the country.
The father of Carlos Leon Bledsoe or Abdulkhakim Muhammad will be also be testifying. Muhammad is responsible for the killing of U.S. Army Private William Long and wounding Private Quinton Ezeagwula outside of a U.S. Army recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas in June 2009. Muhammad was convicted of capital murder and is incarcerated. His father is testifying as a witness to the process of Americans becoming involved in radical Islam. His son converted to Islam at the age of 19 when he moved to Yemen. He was deported by Yemen officials back to the U.S. where, influenced by Jihad, he carried out his plan to kill members of the U.S. Military.
