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Attorney General Lauds Youth Violence Program

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is praising a Minneapolis program to reduce youth violence and pledged support from the Justice Department and plans to bring the program to a national scale.

Holder is calling reducing youth violence a "moral calling" and one of the most important tasks in shaping the nation's future.

He says children who are involved in violence show a tendency toward alcohol and drug abuse and emotional problems.

Holder spoke at the University of Minnesota on Friday in favor of the Youth Violence Prevention initiative.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says the program has led to a reduction in the numbers of youths involved in violent crime, including as victims.

Holder's speech was frequently interrupted by anti-war protesters who say they have been unfairly targeted for investigation.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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