NEW YORK (AP) — 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 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.
The hearing was scheduled by U.S. Rep. Peter J. King of New York, chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security. It's the first in a series of hearings on "radicalization" among U.S. Muslims.
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