Cruz: California shooting could be ‘radical Islamic terrorism’

by Ben Kamisar - 12/03/15 9:47 AM ET

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) floated the possibility that Wednesday’s mass shooting in California could be connected to “radical Islamic terrorism” during a speech in Washington on Wednesday.

“All of us are deeply concerned that this is yet another manifestation of terrorism, radical Islamic terrorism here at home,” Cruz said at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s candidate forum in Washington, D.C.

{mosads}While noting that the “details of what happened at San Bernardino are still unclear,” he said that the shooting happened just weeks after a large-scale terror attack in Paris, for which the Islamic State in Iraq and Syrian has claimed credit.

“Coming on the wake of the terror attack here in Paris, this horrific murder underscores that we are at a time of war. Whether or not the current administration realizes it or is willing to acknowledge it, our enemies are at war with us.”

At least 14 were killed in the shooting Wednesday, and more than a dozen injured. Authorities killed two suspects and have detained a third, but motives remain unclear according to multiple news reports.

Cruz’s comments came during remarks in front of a prominent Republican Jewish group, which has major GOP donors including casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and hedge fund manager Paul Singer on its board. All 14 major GOP candidates are slated to speak at the event.

Tags Ted Cruz