Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement regarding reports that the New York Police Department (NYPD) admitting that it showed an anti-Muslim video to officers:

“It is deeply disheartening to hear Commissioner Raymond Kelly admit that the documentary ‘The Third Jihad,’ an anti-Muslim video was shown to about 1,500 officers in the Department.  Commissioner Kelly must hold officers accountable for promoting a climate of fear and hatred.  Unfortunately, this incident points to the culture of fear and racism that seems to exist in the Department.

“As the Representative of the 11^th Congressional District, I have the privilege of serving a diverse group of people; with many different religions and ethnicities.  It is important that we have a police force that embraces these cultural differences within the community rather than divide the community based on fear.  As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I understand the importance of ensuring that our first responders have the anti-terrorism tools they need…. however, using anti-Muslim propaganda only promotes a false sense of security.  New York City deserves better and the NYPD has a duty to uphold its integrity.”

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