Local Muslim community reacts to Trump's remarks as they hold vigil for San Bernardino
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - Simultaneous vigils were held Monday night in various communities around the state for the victims of the San Bernardino shootings. SEIU, the labor union that represents county workers, organized one local event.
The union organized the vigil held just outside the Santa Clara County building where a diverse group attended the event united by a common message.
The mood was solemn. Candles were lit for the victims of the San Bernardino attack.
"The Muslim community condemns this and all acts of violence," said Fouad Khatib with the Muslim Community Association.
"Make sure that no one is vilified. No one else is victimized, "said Cindy Chavez, Santa Clara County Supervisor.
Law makers, religious leaders, the NAACP and members of the Muslim community stood shoulder to shoulder to condemn the terrorist attack and stand up to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump who called for a ban on Muslim immigration to the U.S.
“Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until the country's representatives can figure out what the hell is going on." said Trump during a rally in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, "We have no choice. We have no choice."
In response, Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush tweeted in part: "Donald Trump is unhinged."
The campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton said in a tweet, " This is reprehensible, prejudiced and divisive. You don't get it."
At the vigil, Wilma Jakobsen with Saint Jude's Episcopal Church said, "This is not about blaming Muslims or even barring them from entering this country."
The national director of CAIR, the Council on American Islamic Relations says Trump sounds like the leader of a lynch mob. Others say he's creating a culture of prejudice.
"When you take people's fears and turn them into hate. People act out, lash out and it makes me very afraid," said Nida Rehman, a Muslim American.
The Bay Area chapter of CAIR says it has received a dozen verbal threats since the San Bernardino attack messages such as “we hate you” and "we don't want you here."
"To suddenly look at us in suspicion is just not the right thing to do. I'm really sad about that," said Juveria Aleem, a Muslim American.
The people at the vigil say the terrorists hurt all Americans ...including Muslims.
"Terrorists do not represent myself, represent my religion in any way shape of form," said Maria Ahmad, a Muslim American.
Trump says his proposed ban would apply to immigrants and visitors alike.
The idea immediately raised questions about whether such a ban would be constitutional since the First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion.