STERLING, Va. (AP) — The White House is praising American Muslims for helping fight violent extremism and calling on them to help undermine what it calls the "twisted ideology" used by al-Qaida.
Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough also says the federal government is working to dispel "misperceptions" about American Muslims.
McDonough was speaking Sunday at an interfaith forum at a Northern Virginia mosque known for its longtime relationship with law enforcement.
He says all Americans must come together to protect the country "in a spirit of respect, tolerance and partnership," setting the administration's tone before Congressional hearings later this week.
New York Republican Peter King is chairing the first in what he's promised to be a series of hearings on violent extremism. King's critics say he should not be signaling out Islam.
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