At today's hearing on "radicalization" among American Muslims, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), the only Muslim congressman, breaks down in tears recounting the moving story of Mohammad Salman Hamdani, an American Muslim who was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11 trying to save the lives of his fellow Americans:
Transcript (
via ThinkProgress):
ELLISON: Let me close with a story, but remember that it’s only one of many American stories that could be told. Mohammed Salman Hamdani was a 23-year-old paramedic, a New York City police cadet and a Muslim American. He was one of those brave first responders who tragically lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks almost a decade ago. As The New York Times eulogized, “He wanted to be seen as an all-American kid.” [...] Mr. Hamdani bravely sacrificed his life to try and help others on 9/11. After the tragedy some people tried to smear his character solely because of his Islamic faith. Some people spread false rumors and speculated that he was in league with the attackers only because he was Muslim. It was only when his remains were identified that these lies were fully exposed. Mohammed Salman Hamdani was a fellow American who gave his life for other Americans. His life should not be defined as a member of an ethnic group or a member of a religion, but as an American who gave everything for his fellow citizens. I yield back.
Instead of trying to prove that there is something wrong with American Muslims, Republican politicians like Peter King ought to be celebrating that which is right about American Muslims.