MPAC Responds to Rubio’s Remarks on “Radical Islam,” Demanding Immediate Action
Dear Secretary Rubio,
We are writing to express our concern regarding your recent remarks made during your Fox News interview in which you stated, “If you look at the domestic terrorist—at the attacks that have happened here domestically, the overwhelming majority of them have been inspired by radical Islamic viewpoints.”
Respectfully, that statement contradicts the findings of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Both agencies have consistently identified white supremacist violence and far-right extremism as the leading domestic terrorism threats to the United States. The 2024 DHS Homeland Threat Assessment explicitly concludes that “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists—particularly white supremacists—continue to pose the most persistent and lethal threat to the homeland.” Similarly, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reported in 2022 that two-thirds of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 2015 were perpetrated by individuals linked to far-right ideology, not by Muslims or Islamic groups.
We would like to make three points regarding your statement:
Violence has no religion. Any ideology that promotes harm to others is a threat to our shared security. We urge you not to single out Islam as a source of violence without clear definitions or distinctions. The term “radical Islam,” left undefined, risks conflating a global faith practiced peacefully by 1.8 billion people with the political dissent of those who oppose U.S. or Israeli policy. Such framing stigmatizes American Muslims and chills constitutionally protected speech under the First Amendment.
American Muslims have been key partners in countering extremism. Since 9/11, U.S. Muslim organizations have worked closely with law enforcement to prevent terrorism and promote community resilience. American Muslims overwhelmingly condemn groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS. Put simply, Islam rejects terrorism, and Muslims are mandated to live under the rule of law in any nation they consider home. Furthermore, Muslim-led advocacy and educational programs have strengthened cooperation with federal agencies to combat radical ideologies and protect the homeland.
American Muslim identity strengthens the nation. American Muslims are proud of their dual heritage—grounded in faith and committed to the U.S. Constitution. From serving in the armed forces to advancing civil rights, we view our contributions as integral to the American story. Our faith compels us to work for justice, peace, and the common good, values that align with America’s founding principles.
We respectfully request a meeting with you and your staff to discuss ways to collaborate on countering all forms of violent extremism while upholding civil liberties and religious pluralism. We believe that a partnership grounded in trust, transparency, and shared purpose is the most effective path toward national security.
Thank you for your service and attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing this important conversation.
Salam Al-Marayati
President
Muslim Public Affairs Council
