Terrorism expert: Civil conversation needed

Jonathan White, terrorism expert, professor of interdisciplinary studies and executive director of the Homeland Defense Initiative at Grand Valley, said terrorism is complex and civilized conversation is needed instead of heated debate.

White made the comment during a news conference June 13 held on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus about the shooting at an Orlando nightclub during which a gunman killed 49 people and injured more than 50 others.

White said an attack like the one in Orlando is an example of the nature of modern terrorism, acted out on the streets or in the shadows. He said he is not optimistic change will take place until a civil conversation can happen instead of "political sides screaming simplistic phrases at each other in seven-second sound bites."

White was tapped by the federal government after the Sept. 11 attacks to travel the country briefing law enforcement officials on international terrorism because of his extensive research and expertise in counterterrorism, special warfare and intelligence operations. White traveled to Pakistan, Turkey and Europe to train police and security forces on counterterrorism.