The Chief of the NYPD counterterrorism expressed his disagreement regarding the US Republican presidential candidate, Ted Cruz's suggestion to empower police patrols on Muslim community areas. Other political leaders, as well as New York City official denounce Cruz's suggestion calling him ignorant.
According to the Time, John Miller, the New York City Police Department's deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism said, the Texas senator's notion to secured and increased police forces patrol in Muslim neighborhood to prevent them from radicalization is "campaigning through fear". He also added that it is not the direction policy of America should be taking in a democracy.
Miller also compared the presidential candidate's call to some of America's disgraceful past policies. "If there are moments of shame, it would be Japanese internment, the 'Red Scare' and McCarthyism, torture after 9/11," NY Daily News quoted. He believes each of these policies was "driven in fear."
Commissioner William Bratton also commented, that more than 900 New York police officers are Muslim and many of them are military veterans. He cited, when it comes to patrol and security enforcement, one should not be selective in any color and races, NBC News cited. Bratton added, the policy should not also use to "appease the provocative chatter of politicians seeking to exploit fear."
Many leaders denounce Cruz's proposal, including President Obama who called it wrong and "un-American." Bratton and other Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, the Council on American-Islamic Relations all condemned Cruz' proposal shortly after he made the call on Tuesday.
Bratton also continued, the Texas senator needs to do his homework before he speaks up again. He also claimed, Cruz's comments shows that he has no knowledge in counterterrorism in New York City.
Ted Cruz campaign responded to the criticism saying, Cruz's suggestion is the basic responsibility of the elected leaders, "to prioritize the safety of our citizens."
