The Final Call

U.S. Capitol Police issues apology to Farrakhan, NOI

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Leonard F. Muhammad, Co-Director of the Justice...Or Else Organizational Committee, speaks to reporters on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., Friday, Oct. 9. Photo: Monica Morgan

WASHINGTON D.C.—Leonard F. Muhammad, a Co-Director of the #JusticeOrElse movement, stood on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Oct. 9 to forthrightly address thinly veiled accusations hurled at the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, those working with him to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March and those planning on attending the march.

“Those persons who are coming are coming to express their First Amendment rights. They are coming to attend an event that is the anniversary of one of the most significant convening in this history of this country for Black people,” said Mr. Muhammad.

Recently, an intelligence newsletter was distributed to U.S. Capitol Police officers that repeated false accusations that Min. Farrakhan has incited violence during various speeches delivered over the past two months as part of the Justice Or Else national mobilization tour.

Mr. Muhammad told reporters that a six-hour meeting October 8 held with United States Capitol Police (USCP) Chief Kim C. Dine in response to the newsletter appears to have quelled matters. Chief Dine issued an apology distancing the USCP from the newsletter’s contents following the meeting, Mr. Muhammad noted.

“The USCP prides itself on protecting the rights of people to peaceably assemble under the First Amendment. The newsletter that was released by the Protective Services Bureau, Division of Intelligence and Information Analysis was rescinded as it was not authorized, reviewed, or approved by the Chief of Police,” the statement read. “This document was poorly constructed, without attribution, and does not reflect the viewpoint or values of the United States Capitol Police, nor was it intended to provide instruction or guidance to our employees. Upon learning of the release of this document, immediate and appropriate steps were taken to ensure this type of incident does not occur again, including an active, open, internal investigation regarding this matter.”

As part of their seemingly never-ending efforts to mischaracterize Min. Farrakhan’s motives and apparent strategy to persuade many from attending the planned Oct. 10 gathering, a Washington Post Op-Ed written by Jonathan A. Greenblatt, the newly appointed national director of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith, repeated the same old tired accusations and deliberate distortions that characterize the ADL’s decades long obsession with Min. Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam.

Mr. Muhammad addressed that as well saying those who are Min. Farrakhan’s detractors are welcome to be critical, however, the millions who listen to the respected international leader and follow his guidance and leadership disagree with their assessment, as well as the distortions often printed in what is described as the “mainstream media.”

“Minister Farrakhan is one of the most successful orators in America and anywhere in the world,” said Mr. Muhammad. “No one can question the method, quality nor the success of his message. Maybe they need to take another look at his message which is not only good for Black people, but is good for America in general,” Mr. Muhammad said.

For more information on the Justice…Or Else! Movement, visit www.justiceorelse.com.