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TechnoratiThe head of the Department of Homeland Security on Sunday defended the inclusion of pro-life supporters in the agency's report that identifies possible terrorist threats, saying there have been extremist groups within the abortion debate that "have committed violent acts."
(Photo: AP / Damian Dovarganes)Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, right, and Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., speak on their way to a news conference after touring the Los Angeles port complex at the Port of Los Angeles Coast Guard Station on Monday, April 13, 2009, in Los Angeles.
DHS secretary Janet Napolitano made the comments in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, the anniversary of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing – considered the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States prior to 9/11.
The show's host, John King, questioned Napolitano on a line in the report that suggests the threat of extremism could come from "groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."
He asked her whether the DHS had active investigations on "anti-abortion groups" concerning the matter.
Napolitano declined to comment on ongoing work of the agency but pointed out the "history" of violent acts by such groups.
The DHS head said that although "people have different points of view about abortion" and that the DHS supports free speech rights, there are those within the abortion debate that justify the agency's concern.
"On the other hand, at the very edge of the [abortion] debate, at the very edge are the extremist groups that have committed violent crimes," said Napolitano. "They've committed bombings and the like."
"And that is where you cross from constitutionally protected free speech, freedom of assembly, all the rights we cherish, into homeland security and law enforcement. When is that right not being exercised, it's being abused," she added.
Controversy erupted this past week over the DHS report, "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence and Recruitment," after it was leaked to the media.
Critics have accused the report for targeting those who have ideologies or political views that run counter to that of the Obama administration.
The report identifies rightwing extremists as those who oppose lax immigration, restrictions on firearms, and same-sex marriage. It also says that extremist groups could target disgruntled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan as potential recruits.
On Sunday, Napolitano refused to list examples of rightwing extremist groups, saying the groups were "far too numerous to mention."
But she commented that a number of groups "want to do what happened in Oklahoma City. That is, commit violent acts within the homeland."
Over the past week, many conservatives have lashed out at the report for lumping pro-lifers with rightwing extremists.
Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice called the pro-life reference an "outrageous characterization."
"This characterization is not only offensive to millions of Americans who hold constitutionally-protected views opposing abortion – but also raises serious concerns about the political agenda of an agency with a mandate to protect America," he stated last week.
Thomas More Law Center, a Christian-based law firm, is suing Napolitano over the report on behalf of Michael Savage, a nationally syndicated conservative radio talk show host; Gregg Cunningham, president of the pro-life organization Center for Bio-Ethical Reform; and Iraqi War Marine veteran Kevin Murray. Continue »
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