Kerry defends absence from unity rally, will go to Paris on Thursday

“This is sort of quibbling,” Kerry told reporters when asked about the absences at the anti-terrorism rally Sunday, attended by at least 3.7 million people, including the heads of Great Britain, Germany and Israel.

The rally was a show of solidarity against the terror attacks in the country.

“The U.S. has been deeply engaged with the people of France since this incident occurred,” Kerry said. “We have offered intelligence, law enforcement. This is sort of quibbling.

He said the summit will include presentations, panel discussions and small group meetings, focused on the local, state and federal government levels.

CNN’s Jim Sciutto, Erin McPike and Ashley Fantz contributed to this report

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