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Riham Feshir

U.S. Attorney calls meeting with local Muslim leaders after Brussels attacks

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Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger has called a meeting Thursday with Muslim leaders from across Minnesota to show support and address concerns in the aftermath of the Brussels terrorist attacks.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger
Andrew Luger, U.S. attorney for the state of Minnesota, spoke at the town hall meeting regarding youth recruitment in the Somali community presented by Voice of East African Women at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015.
Courtney Perry for MPR News

Several law enforcement officials, including Richard Thornton, special agent in charge of the Minneapolis FBI division, Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek and other sheriffs and police chiefs from across the state plan to attend.

Luger said in a statement the goal of the event is to "stand with members of the Muslim community."

"While we continue to ensure the safety and security of all residents of our state, we will not allow fear or hatred to bring harm to those who may appear to be targets of convenience at this difficult time," he said.

But the event is drawing fire from officials with a Muslim organization that has been at odds with Luger. Officials with the Minnesota Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and legal advocacy organization, say they were not aware of the event and were not invited.

Jaylani Hussein, 33, of Roseville
Jaylani Hussein, president of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Doualy Xaykaothao | MPR News

CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein has been critical of a federal anti-terror program the US Attorney's Office has been facilitating. The "Building Community Resilience" program, also known as "Countering Violent Extremism," is part of a U.S. Justice Department effort in Minneapolis and two other cities to address the threat of terrorism.

"It's time for the U.S. Attorney to start accepting responsibilities for the overwhelming stigmatization that's coming to the Muslim community based on the narrative that has been set up by his office, including the Countering Violent Extremism program," Hussein said.

The program has divided Minnesota Muslims. Some are in favor of the plan to provide expanded youth programming, mentoring opportunities, higher education scholarships and jobs, while others say it contributes to the stigmatization of the Muslim community.

Earlier this month, six organizations that work with Somali youth were awarded $300,000 in grants as part of the project. The meeting is planned for 4:30 p.m. Thursday in downtown Minneapolis.