US Creating Programs To Counter Extremists

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is launching a series of pilot programs to deal with American extremists intent on joining the fighting in countries like Syria and Iraq.

Attorney General Eric Holder says in a video message released Monday that the pilot programs will involve religious leaders, prosecutors and community representatives.

He says the goal is to counter violent extremism, share information on best practices and improve training.

The White House, meanwhile, is scheduled to host a summit on the topic next month.

American law enforcement and intelligence officials have for months expressed concerns about Westerners who have traveled to Syria to take part in the fighting there. Last week, a 19-year-old Colorado woman pleaded guilty to trying to help the militant Islamic State group.