Donald Trump: I Would “Strongly Consider” Closing Certain Mosques

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says he would strongly consider closing mosques with radical leadership because of the Paris attacks.

Trump told MSNBC on Monday that the government should increase surveillance in and around mosques.

“Well, you’re going to have to watch and study the mosques because a lot of talk is going on at the mosques,” said Trump. “And from what I heard in the old days, meaning a while ago, we had great surveillance going on in and around mosques in New York City and I understand our mayor totally cut that out. He totally cut it out.”

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He was then asked about France’s interior minister saying he plans to shut down mosques with suspected ties to terrorist groups and whether Trump would do the same if he were president. “Well, I would hate it do it but it’s something that you’re going to have to strongly consider because some of the ideas and some the hatred, the absolute hatred, is coming from these areas,” said Trump.

The presidential candidate said it’s a “very, very sad situation” that closing mosques could create a backlash and hatred against Muslims but he said there is already “hatred greater than anybody understands.” He added, “I know so many people — Muslims — who are such unbelievably great people and they are being so badly tarnished by what’s happening now. It’s a shame.”