Los Angeles County Sheriff and Muslim Leaders Launch Muslim-American Security Congress

February 22, 2006

Source: The Mercury News

Wire Service: AP

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/13938144.htm

On February 22, 2006 the Associated Press reported, "Muslim leaders from Southern California and Sheriff Lee Baca launched an initiative Wednesday to increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism and expand the role of American Muslims in denouncing extremist groups like al-Qaida. The Muslim-American Homeland Security Congress, with representation from nearly every prominent Muslim organization in Southern California, will share information on possible terrorist threats, create a youth council to reach Muslims who might feel alienated in American society and give religious leaders a collective platform to condemn terrorist acts... Even before the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington D.C., Muslim leaders had met with law enforcement officials as part of community policing initiatives; Southern California is home to as estimated 500,000 Muslims who trace their origins to points all over the world... The new organization has a nine-member executive board. Membership will draw from mosque members, students, professors and religious scholars. A parallel advisory council will include law enforcement officers, elected officials and business leaders."