Sheriff Baca Offers Support for Muslims

Los Angeles , CA : Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca recently took part in a town hall meeting organized by the Muslim American Homeland Security Congress at which he expressed strong solidarity with and support for engagement
with American Muslims to help keep our nation secure.
The town hall, held at Omar ibn Al-Khattab Foundation in Los Angeles, followed Sheriff Baca's testimony at a hearing before the House Committee on Homeland Security, where he stated: "Americans, particularly elected officials, should not claim Islam supports terrorism. This is counter-productive to trust. It plays into the terrorist strategy that the West is against Islam. At this time in our history, with billions of dollars being spent on a war against terror, our nation should ask that all Americans follow President Obama's example and be the instrument of goodwill to Muslims throughout the world."
At the town hall, Baca said he and American Muslims have worked closely, especially after the terror attacks of 9/11, to help protect the nation.
"I firmly believe that God did not give orders of death for anybody to take on that role," said Baca.
Baca also reiterated his support for CAIR, a leading national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. He said CAIR represents average American Muslims and "when you attack CAIR, you attack virtually every Muslim in America."
"The American Muslim community in Southern California is grateful for and proud of Sheriff Baca's courage and leadership in making a clear stand against bigotry and recognizing American Muslim contributions to the fabric of our society," said CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush.

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