Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement regarding hearings on ‘The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and that Community’s Response’ initiated by Rep. Peter King:

“I take the threat of terrorism very seriously, and no one is more committed to hunting down terrorists and bringing them to justice, wherever they live, than I am. But I am deeply concerned about these hearings, which demonize law-abiding American Muslims who make important contributions to our society, as I would be about Congressional hearings to investigate Catholics, Jews or people of any other faith based solely on their religion.

“It is vitally important that we have a conversation about the serious challenge of domestic terrorism and how we can all work together to keep each other safe. But that conversation must be a collective one, not one that divides us based on religion.

“Among this country’s founding principles is the freedom of religion. However, any person who misuses religion – no matter what faith they follow – as an excuse for violence or to commit a crime betrays that principle.”