Sheriff defends warning about Islam; Muslim civil rights group condemns his remarks
A national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization on Tuesday spoke out against Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond's claim Monday that Islam is "communism with a god" and a threat against constitutional government.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations asked state and federal officials to step up protection of Tennessee Muslims in light of Hammond's comments. On Monday, Hammond urged other Tennessee sheriffs to keep a close eye on Islamic activity, and he claimed federal officials are ignoring "the strongest infringement that we've had in our country as a constitutional government since communism."
Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR's national communications director, called the sheriff's statements disturbing.
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Hammond contended he was only referring to radical, extreme Muslims, not the entire religion. He defended his comments Tuesday, arguing that they were not "derogatory in any way."
"I'm against anybody — Muslim, Buddhist, Christian or otherwise — who wants to remove the Constitution of the United States and wants to install religious law," Hammond said. "I have just as much of an obligation to protect Muslims [as any other citizen], as long as they are not trying to be subversive. And there are a lot of good Muslims who are not. They have nothing to worry about."
Still, Hooper said he'd like to see some sort of formal condemnation of Hammond's attitude from state and federal leaders.
"We shouldn't have to ask for these things, but it seems we have to," he said. "What are the appropriate actions? These officials need to decide — but they need to address this growing trend directed at American Muslims."
Hammond said he's not surprised the national organization spoke out against his comments.
"I would expect nothing less," he said. "One of the first things they do is try to instill fear to keep people from saying the truth."
Hammond made his initial comments to the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club during a speech Monday on domestic terrorism.
Contact staff reporter Shelly Bradbury at 423-7578-6525 or sbradbury@timesfreepress.com with tips or story ideas.
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