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Controversial Congressional Hearings Begin On American Muslim Radicalization

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Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the only Muslin in Congress, becomes emotional as he testifies before the House Homeland Security Committee on the extent of the radicalization of American Muslims, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP)
Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim elected to Congress, becomes emotional as he testifies before the House Homeland Security Committee on the extent of the radicalization of American Muslims, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP)

New York Republican Rep. Peter King gaveled to order a hearing on the extent of radicalization among American Muslims today.  King argues that homegrown American radicalization is part of al-Qaida's strategy and that terrorists abroad are actively targeting American Muslims for recruitment.

The ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, said he "couldn't help but wonder" how propaganda about the hearing will be used by those who "seek to inspire a new generation of suicide bombers."

We speak with Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold, who calls the hearing "a key moment in an angry conversation."

This segment aired on March 10, 2011.

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