Ball to Host Controversial Terrorism Hearings in Manhattan
Sen. Greg Ball will hold a hearing in New York City Friday to discuss the state’s preparedness in the case of a terrorist attack. Nearly 20 guest speakers are scheduled to testify at the hearing on topics ranging from the interoperability of radios among law enforcement officials to the culture of Jihad.
Speakers will include U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-NY) and Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ball, the chairman of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, has drawn criticism from some lawmakers for including on the guest list two speakers, Nonie Darwish and Frank Gaffney, who have been openly critical of Islam. State Sen. Kevin Parker (D-21) sent Ball a letter this week, signed by 11 Democratic lawmakers, criticizing Ball for inviting Gaffney and Darwish to testify.
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