NEW YORK (AP) -- Some 300 people gathered in New York's Times Square to speak out against a planned congressional hearing on Muslims' role in homegrown terrorism.
People at the rally Sunday were carrying signs reading "Today I am a Muslim, too."
They heard from the imam who was an initial key supporter of plans to develop a mosque near ground zero. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf says the real enemy isn't Muslims or Islam, it's extremism.
The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Peter King, says affiliates of al-Qaida are radicalizing some American Muslims and that he plans to hold hearings on the threat they pose to the U.S.
Another group held a rally in support of King's hearing.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
A coalition of over 100 interfaith, nonprofit and governmental organizations plans to rally in New York City against a planned congressional hearing on Muslims' role in homegrown terrorism.
The coalition says Thursday's hearing will send the wrong message to U.S. Muslims by "demonizing" them.
The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee says affiliates of al-Qaida are radicalizing some American Muslims and that he plans to hold hearings on the threat they pose to the U.S.
Republican congressman Peter King of New York told CNN's "State of the Union" that he sees an international movement with elements in the United States of Muslims becoming more radical and identifying with terrorists.
A Minnesota Democrat, congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to the House, says that while it's proper to investigate radicalization, he thinks it is wrong to single out a religious minority.
The Rev. Al Sharpton, entertainment promoter Russell Simmons and the imam who was an initial key supporter of plans to develop a mosque near ground zero are expected to speak at Sunday's rally in Times Square.
A group calling itself the Liberty Alliance plans to hold a counter-rally in support of the hearing.
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