The Hill News

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) added his voice Thursday to the mounting protest against a Florida pastor's intention to burn copies of the Quran on Saturday, the ninth anniversary of 9/11.

"Pastor [Terry] Jones' threats to burn the Koran will put American service men/women in danger - for their sake please don't do it!" McCain tweeted.

The senator's remark echoed comments made recently by other leaders opposing the event. Gen. David Petraeus, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin (R) are among those who have urged Jones not to follow through with his plans.

President Obama confronted questions about the issue on Thursday morning.

"As a very practical matter, as commander in chief of the armed forces of the United States ... this stunt that he is talking about pulling could greatly endanger our young men and women who are in uniform," he said on ABC's "Good Morning America.

The FBI has issued a warning that the event could trigger repercussions for those involved. Jones said Wednesday that despite such warnings, he remains committed to holding the event.

His church, Dove World Outreach Center, has about 50 members.