'Praise for Pastor': Harris has frequently commended her pastor who attributed 9/11 to America.

During a memorial service for victims of Sept. 11, a longtime San Francisco pastor and mentor to Vice President Kamala Harris criticized the United States, just days after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Amos Brown, a prominent pastor and NAACP leader, has been in the spotlight after he disclosed that Kamala Harris reached out to him for prayer support following the announcement of her husband's decision not to run for re-election.

Brown, who was one of Harris' guests at her inauguration in 2021 and has known her family for more than two decades, could be a major liability for her campaign as his past sermons and anti-America rhetoric come to light. Harris previously praised Brown for being "on this journey with me every step of the way."

What did America do, either intentionally or unintentionally, in the world order, in Central America, and in Africa where bombs are still blasting, as Brown asked days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001?

"What did America do at the global warming conference when they didn't acknowledge smaller nations?" he asked. "What did America do two weeks ago at the world conference on racism when you didn't attend?"

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the only Democrat present, rebuked Brown for his remarks.

Pelosi stated that the terrorist attack on Sept. 11 pushed those individuals beyond the realm of civilized conduct, and as a result, they cannot be held accountable.

At the memorial service for his deceased former partner, Mark Bingham, Paul Holm walked out and stated, "I believed this day was meant for reflection rather than politics."

He continued, "These were innocent people who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and save others, including Bingham, who brought down United Airlines Flight 93 into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania."

At the time, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Brown's comments caused a lot of people to become uncomfortable and that politicians were taken aback.

As political operatives and media outlets scrutinize Brown's past rhetoric, his comments may face increased scrutiny, similar to the 2008 campaign when Obama's controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright's sermons were unearthed. Obama, who repeatedly praised Wright, faced backlash for his association with him, especially his "Not God bless America, God damn America" sermon.

During his speeches as vice president, Brown has been frequently praised by Harris.

"During the NAACP National Convention in 2022, Harris expressed gratitude to Dr. Brown for being a voice of leadership and guidance throughout her journey in public office. She thanked him for his unwavering support and leadership, acknowledging that he has been with her every step of the way, from the beginning of her political aspirations to the present day."

At the 2022 annual session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Harris pondered on her enduring bond with Brown.

"For two decades, I have relied on your guidance and inspiration, Rev. Brown. Your wisdom has been instrumental in helping me navigate through challenging times. Thank you for being the constant source of inspiration in my life."

"I am always honored to spend time with my pastor, Rev. Dr. Amos Brown of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco," Harris wrote in a 2023 Instagram photo caption of her and Brown embracing. "He continues to inspire me always."

During a virtual roundtable session with faith leaders in 2021, Harris acknowledged Amos Brown, his pastor, for joining them and began the conversation.

In 2013, she shared a photo of her, her sister Maya, and Brown at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the March on Washington. She also posted a picture with Brown in 2008.

In 2020, when Biden selected Harris as his VP candidate, Brown expressed his excitement, encouragement, and ecstasy, and was humbled that she was a member of his church.

In 2001, Brown's remarks, which were featured in local headlines, were not unique as he has consistently labeled the United States as a "racist country," including in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.

In 2022, Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III was introduced by Brown as a "son of Third Baptist" during a pro-reparations event at his church. Brown stated that Haynes was the "right man to come and to inspire us, inform us, and make sure that we have the map to implement in all that we might make reparations a reality not in the sweet by-and-by, but right down here in the here and now."

Haynes stated during the event that America owes us for what has been done to us, which has been immoral, evil, unjust, and wrong. The only way to bring salvation to America is for the government to pay us what is owed.

The Harris campaign did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.

Planet Chronicle' Joe Schoffstall contributed to this report.