Brian Murphy, who was introduced by CNN's TV Anchor, Anderson
Cooper, asked Donald Trump, "In light of Brussels and Paris attacks, there is knee jerk reaction here and there is backlash against minority religious groups that brings about things which cause damage all over. In Milwaukee, you heard about the Sikh temple shooting six people were killed. 99% of the people who were turban in America are actually Sikhs not Muslims. How do you propose that we educate about these groups and not alienate them. And at the same time, how do we protect the constitutional rights of the minority groups like the Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and Jews while still addressing the radical Islamization?"
Donald Trump did not address the issues of minorities but went on criticizing President Obama for not being tough enough against radical Islam and his own plan to be vigilant against certain groups entering United States. In the past, he has been criticized for calling for a temporary ban on Muslims.
Anderson Cooper intervened and raised Brian Murphy's question again about the protection of right of the minority religions like Muslims, Sikhs and Jews to which Donald Trump said, "I want to do that too but at the same time we have to recognize that we have a serious problem about the radical Islam."
Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, thanked Brian Murphy for raising the issue of Sikhs and other minority religions at the national conversation. He said, "We thank Brian Murphy for using this opportunity of nationally televised town hall meeting to create awareness about Sikhs. It was particularly important given the polarized political rhetoric in the nation." He further added, "I wish Mr. Trump answered the question directly and more thoughtfully. Sikhs across the nation are under a heightened state of alert in the aftermath of the Paris attacks and Brussels bombings and also due to rhetoric in political debates."
He stated, "Brian Murphy is not just a Sikh hero but an American hero who is concerned about the safety and rights of all minorities in America. That is kind of leadership that is required in the country. This is the time when Americans need to come together rather than being divided especially in light of many terrorist related violence in the country and abroad. This nation's has always a beacon of hope for all people who are in distress. We must continue to welcome all religions and all minorities and that is how this nation remains the greatest in the world."
Valarie Kaur, a lawyer, activist and filmmaker, posted about Brian Murphy on her social page, "He took 15 bullets protecting my community that day -- and has continued to fight the forces of hate and fear since then. Brian was owed a meaningful response [by Trump]."
Gurwin Singh Ahuja, Executive Director of the National Sikh Campaign, said, "I would like to thank Brian Murphy for his continuous and unwavering support for the Sikh community and for noting, the often overlooked fact, that 99% of turban wearers in the United States are Sikhs."
Inder Paul Singh Gadh, Chairman of the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, said, "We are touched by Brian Murphy's thoughtfulness of using the golden opportunity of USA presidential debate and bringing the issue of Sikhs in the national debate. We feel privileged to be associated with such a caring person."
Brian Murphy was honored by President Obama at the White House for his distinguished service to the nation in 2014 and he was also introduced at the State of the Union address by Obama.
