NY police chief apologises over screening of anti-Muslim film

 Under fire over his appearance in an anti-Muslim film shown to his officers during training, New York's police chief has apologised and conceded that it was inflammatory and "should not have been shown".

The film called 'The Third Jihad' was shown to New York police department's officers during training and featured a brief interview of police commissioner Raymond Kelly.
The film and Kelly's presence in it outraged Muslim civil rights groups who demanded his resignation.

Following the outrage Kelly has apologised to the Muslim community, and said when the content of the film was brought to the attention of the department, the film was withdrawn.

He himself characterised the film as "inflammatory" and "a little much" but played down played down his involvement in the film, saying he often sits for interviews. He, however, conceded that the film "should not have been shown" to New York City officers.
"I saw it Tuesday for the first time. I think it is inflammatory," he was quoted as saying on NY1 television.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) had sought Kelly's and Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne's immediate resignation for taking part in production of the "blatantly bigoted and hate-filled film vilifying the American-Muslim community".
The film claims that "much of Muslim leadership here in America" aims to "infiltrate and dominate" the United States.

The 72-minute film also shows Muslims shooting Christians in the head and conveys a message that the community cannot be trusted. It also shows a doctored photo of an Islamic flag flying over the White House, car bombs exploding, executed children lying covered by sheets.

"The decision to take part in the film, as well as show the film to nearly 1,500 NYPD cadets raises serious concerns about Kelly's ability to serve and protect minority groups in New York City," the ADC had said.

Kelly placed responsibility for the decision to show the film on a sergeant, whom he did not identify.

"A sergeant, I think well meaning, took this film and put it in a loop in a room that was outside of the training area," Kelly told reporters at Police Headquarters.

The ADC said Kelly had "lied" to the community by initially denying any involvement in the film.

ADC President Warren David said the residents of New York deserve "transparency, honesty, integrity" and not a leader like Kelly who lacks all these qualities.

Browne had initially said Kelly had not given an interview for the film and that a clip featuring the police commissioner was lifted from an old interview. He later said he had helped arrange Kelly's interview for the filmmakers.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg sought to defend the police commissioner but said Kelly would have to work harder to regain the trust of the Muslim community.