Texas Gov. Rick Perry argued Monday that the Obama administration should treat last week’s beheading of an Oklahoma food processing plant worker as an “act of violence that is associated with terrorism.”
Alton Nolen, a Muslim convert who reportedly tried to convert other coworkers before being fired from Vaughan Foods, is accused of decapitating Colleen Hufford, 54, and stabbing another employee at the company’s offices on Thursday, police said. The FBI is investigating the case.
“At some point in time, I think the administration does have to address this as what it appears to many people that it is — and that is an act of violence that is associated with terrorism,” Mr. Perry said on Fox News, The Hill reported.
The incident comes after high-profile beheadings publicized by Islamic State fighters.
“I think Americans are confused about what this is, and if this is a clear case of an individual going in and doing something that doesn’t meet their definition of workplace violence,” the Republican continued, The Hill reported. “I think any rational-thinking American is going to look and this and go, ’This is more than just normal workplace violence.’ “
“ISIS is a legitimate threat — it is not just a legitimate threat in that region of the world, it is a legitimate threat in the United States,” Mr. Perry added.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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