Amid heightened security, Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) opened his controversial hearings on the radicalization of Muslim Americans Thursday by stating that the criticism he has received from special interest groups and the media "has ranged from disbelief to paroxysms of rage and hysteria."

"Let me make it clear today that I remain convinced that these hearings must go forward," said King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. "And they will. To back down would be a craven surrender to political correctness and an abdication of what I believe to be the main responsibility of this committee-- to protect America from a terrorist attack."

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