(CNN) — The controversy over Donald Trump’s attacks on a Gold Star family deepened Monday. Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son was killed in Iraq, appeared for a lengthy joint interview on CNN’s “New Day” in which Khizr Khan criticized Trump amid an extended plea for unity and empathy.
Kahn stressed the need to work with Muslim communities to combat radicalization, while again slamming Trump for his divisive rhetoric.
“Communities coming together is the solution,” he said. “We are as concerned as Donald Trump is about the safety of this country. We are a testament to the goodness of this country.”
At almost the same time, Sen. John McCain issued a very personal statement blasting Trump’s comments about the Khans and paying homage to their son Humayun’s sacrifice.
“It is time for Donald Trump to set the example for our country and the future of the Republican Party,” McCain said. “While our Party has bestowed upon him the nomination, it is not accompanied by unfettered license to defame those who are the best among us. “Lastly, I’d like to say to Mr. and Mrs. Khan: thank you for immigrating to America. We’re a better country because of you. And you are certainly right; your son was the best of America, and the memory of his sacrifice will make us a better nation — and he will never be forgotten.”
