White House plans conference on countering violent extremism following Charlie Hebdo, Paris attacks

BY ADAM EDELMAN

The announcement for the Feb. 18 'Summit on Countering Violent Extremism' comes just days after two bloody rampages in Paris, carried out by Islamic extremists, that left 17 people dead.

The White House will hold a summit in February that will focus on ways citizens and governments can counter violent extremism.

The summit, scheduled for Feb. 18, will highlight domestic and international efforts to prevent extremists and their supporters from radicalizing, recruiting and inspiring others in the U.S. and elsewhere to carry out violent acts.

The announcement comes just days after two bloody rampages in Paris, carried out by Islamic extremists, leaving 17 people dead.

The conference was originally scheduled for October, but was delayed without explanation.

"On February 18, 2015, the White House will host a Summit on Countering Violent Extremism to highlight domestic and international efforts to prevent violent extremists and their supporters from radicalizing, recruiting, or inspiring individuals or groups in the United States and abroad to commit acts of violence, efforts made even more imperative in light of recent, tragic attacks in Ottawa, Sydney, and Paris," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement Sunday.

Several representatives from other countries will attend the meeting, the White House said, but specific attendees have not yet been identified.