McConnell: Capt. Khan an ‘American hero’

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) responded to Donald Trump’s attack on the family of a dead U.S. soldier on Sunday, calling Capt. Humayun Khan an American hero — without mentioning the GOP presidential nominee’s name.

{mosads}”Like all Americans I’m grateful for the sacrifices that selfless young men like Capt. Khan and their families have made in the war on terror,” McConnell said in a statement. 

“All Americans should value the patriotic service of the patriots who volunteer to selflessly defend us in the armed services. And as I have long made clear, I agree with the Khans and families across the country that a travel ban on all members of a religion is simply contrary to American values.” 

Trump sparked controversy late last week when he lashed out at Khan’s father, Khizr Khan, over his speech at the Democratic National Convention, which was critical of the Republican presidential nominee. Trump cast doubt on whether Khan prepared his remarks and questioned his wife’s silence on stage.

Since then, many have attacked Trump for his statements, though he defended himself on Twitter Sunday, saying Khan “viciously attacked” him. McConnell has endorsed Trump for president, despite saying he doesn’t agree with some of his proposed policies. 

Many on social media pointed out that McConnell spelled the family’s name wrong, Kahn instead of Khan, in one portion of his release.