Blog - Question of the Week: Should the United States have had a higher level of representation at Sunday's Paris rally for unity?

Statement

This week, following the horrific acts of terrorism that rocked France last week, leaders from around the world gathered at a Unity Rally in Paris, France, to express solidarity in the fight against the growing threat of terrorism. Approximately 1.5 million people, including over 40 world leaders, ranging from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, joined the march this past Sunday.

Attorney General Eric Holder was present in Paris over the weekend for counter-terrorism discussions. He did not, however, attend the rally. Instead, the most visible American official present at the march was U.S. Ambassador to France, Jane Hartley. In response, the Administration has faced heavy criticism over the decision not to send a senior official to Sunday's rally.

In a press briefing today, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest stated that the absence was due to security concerns, as well as the fact that the White House did not want President Obama's presence to disrupt the gathering. He added, though, that, "I think it's fair to say we should have sent someone with a higher profile to be there."

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