"We would never ask any other faith community to stand up and condemn acts of violence committed by people within their groups," said Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour, who has worked extensively with the Black Lives Matter movement and other minority groups. "The fact that this is only directed at the Muslim community is something that I personally can't accept."
In his Sunday-night message, the president did say Muslims should not be treated differently, but administration officials say they are looking to the Muslim American community for some particular assistance. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson took that request personally Monday to the All Dulles Area Muslim Society mosque in Sterling, Va.
"I will continue to speak out against the discrimination, vilification and isolation that American Muslims face in these challenging times," Johnson said.