US Muslim radicals in spotlight

Witnesses - including family members of young men who have turned to extremism - gave evidence to members of the Homeland Security Committee.

Congress's first elected Muslim member broke down in tears as he gave testimony, while the father of a radicalised youth told how his son had been brainwashed.

Opponents to the sessions have complained that they unfairly single out Muslims. The Leadership Conference of Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 organisations, has warned that the hearings are "likely to contribute to a public backlash against Muslim Americans".

The role of Rep Peter King, chair of the committee, was also under scrutiny. Mr King was a vocal supporter of the Irish Republican Army.

Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council of American- Islamic Relations, said: "It is ironic that someone who was a supporter of a terrorist group is the one holding this hearing."

In his opening remarks, Mr King defended his decision to examine the radicalisation of US Muslims.

He told the committee: "I am convinced that the hearings must go forward, and they will. To bow 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."

Melvin Bledsoe, whose son Abdulhakim Muhammad is charged with killing an Army private at an Arkansas recruiting station, warned: "We are losing American babies. Our children are in danger. This country must stand up and do something about the problem."