Speaking at a press conference Monday, Attorney General Loretta Lynch walked back comments she made earlier implying the Justice Department would take action against anti-Muslim speech.
Lynch told Muslim Advocates Dinner attendees Thursday that the Justice Department would “take action” against individuals who “lift the mantle of anti-Muslim rhetoric,” saying she would “look at anything and will consider anything that will keep Americans safe.” Those comments earned her backlash from civil libertarians, who pointed out that anti-Muslim speech is constitutionally protected.
In response to the criticism, Lynch clarified her comments, saying it was only violent acts she was concerned about. “We always have a concern when we see the rhetoric rising against any particular group in America, that it might inspire others to violent action — and that violent action is what we would have to deal with,” she said.
[h/t Politico]
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