(Los
Angeles – 8/28/2014) – Today, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) will hold
a press conference at 10 a.m. PT with law enforcement officials and national
community leaders at the InterContinental Hotel Century City at Beverly Hills to
address the escalation of violent extremism and MPAC’s response to the potential
for threats against the U.S. homeland.
The horrific murder of American
journalist James Foley is a reminder of the need for Americans to remain
vigilant in communities across the country. In confronting violent extremism in
the United States, MPAC's groundbreaking campaign called
“Safe Spaces Initiative: Tools for Developing Healthy
Communities" is serving as a critical component, in partnership with law
enforcement to prevent, intervene or eject individuals who may be susceptible to
violent extremism.
MPAC President
Salam Al-Marayati will speak at the press conference about
ISIS and MPAC’s Safe Spaces Initiative. “We must take proactive steps to address
the threat of ISIS and the impact their extreme and repugnant crimes against
humanity may have on our community, said Al-Marayati. “Through MPAC’s Safe
Spaces Initiative, we can make sure that the voice of moderation will
prevail.”
Michael P. Downing, Los Angeles Police Department
Counter-Terrorism Division Commanding Officer, will also speak at the conference
on the partnership between law enforcement and the American Muslim community.
"Emerging threats against our country are becoming more complex and dangerous,
said Downing. “In order to protect our families, our neighborhoods, and our
cities, it is even more essential that the law enforcement community work in
partnership with organizations like MPAC and support the Safe Spaces Initiative,
helping to identify those who may be prone to engage in violent extremist
behavior. Local communities are the first and most important ‘preventer’ in
keeping our homeland safe and resilient.”
Roberta Abner, Los Angeles County Sheriff Counter-Terrorism
Chief, will also issue a statement at the press conference. “Our success in
keeping our communities safe is dependent on both remaining steadfast in our
counter-terrorism efforts, while working in concert with our many community
partners and law enforcement agencies in order to interrupt and prevent acts of
terrorism,” said Abner.
Also joining the press conference will be
Steve Bing, CEO of Shangri-La Entertainment and
Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Director of the Islamic Society of
Orange County and member of the Supreme Council of Mosques in
Mecca.
Finally, in response to the escalation of violent extremism in the
Middle East, boxing legend Muhammad Ali will issue a statement through his
oldest daughter
Maryum Ali. She has spent the past 15 years working in social
services with a concentration in gang and violence prevention.
MPAC will
provide a
live stream of the press conference along with a global
interactive discussion and social media campaign on
Twitter using the hashtag "#UnitedAgainstExtremism." Duke
University Muslim Chaplain
Abdullah Antepli, counterterrorism analyst
Mubin Shaikh, New American Foundation Fellow
Rabia Chaudry, and Ph.D. student at the University of
California, Irvine
Garrison Doreck will answer questions online following the
conclusion of the press conference.
Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public
Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public
opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in
government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing
leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of
Muslim Americans.
[CONTACT: Riham Osman, Communications
Coordinator, 202-547-7701, riham@mpac.org]
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