Anti-Muslim rhetoric harms US homeland security: Johnson

US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has denounced the anti-Muslim rhetoric by Republican presidential candidates, saying such “inflammatory” comments are harmful to US homeland security.

“I believe that inflammatory comments about patrolling and securing Muslim neighborhoods or barring Muslims from entering this country, having an immigration policy based on religion, is counterproductive to our homeland security and national security interests,” Johnson said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program Tuesday.

Johnson was responding to a question about White House hopeful Senator Ted Cruz of Texas who has called for stricter patrols and surveillance in Muslim neighborhoods. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump also created a firestorm last year by proposing a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the United States.

“I think that, in this phase, it is critical that we build bridges to American-Muslim communities, not vilify them, not drive them into the shadows and encourage them to work with us,” Johnson said.

He praised American Muslims as “very patriotic people” who “want to be part of the fabric of our nation.”

“We spend a lot of time working with Muslim communities… to help them help us in our homeland security efforts,” Johnson added.

Trump rally met with protests 

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of a campaign venue in Wisconsin on Tuesday afternoon to denounce Trump and his divisive policies. They held placards reading slogans such as “no hate in our state”, “Trump is racist and fascist,” and “dump Trump.”

“We want to stand up against Trump and let people know that we don't stand for what he believes in,” a protester told local media.

“I just don't want there ever to be a message of hate. I feel the way to build up a country is to make sure people are happy, they are healthy, educated,” another protester said.

A protester was reportedly pepper-sprayed during the event. A video posted on Facebook by the Janesville Community Page appears to show a woman attempting to push someone before being pepper-sprayed.

Trump drops pledge to support GOP nominee 

Meanwhile, Trump said Tuesday he might not support the party’s nominee for president if he fails to secure the nomination.

“No, not anymore,” the real estate mogul said during a town hall event in Wisconsin.

“I have been treated very unfairly” by the Republican National Committee, Trump said without elaborating. 

He also said he did not expect his rivals to support him should he become their party’s standard bearer. “I don’t want people to do something against their will.” 

Trump’s campaign has been marked by controversy, including disparaging remarks about women, Mexican immigrants and Muslims.

The billionaire businessman’s hateful rhetoric has caused disruption of his campaign rallies nationwide.

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