WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized Friday for a department assessment that suggested returning combat veterans could be recruited by right-wing extremist groups . Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says she offered her `` sincere apologies for any offense . '' She met with American Legion National Commander David Rehbein at Homeland Security headquarters . `` The secretary started the meeting with an apology to me personally , to the American Legion and to the entire veterans community , '' Rehbein told reporters after the meeting . In a statement issued by the department , Napolitano said , `` We connected meaningfully about the important issues that have emerged over recent days , and I offered him my sincere apologies for any offense to our veterans caused by this report . ... I pledge that the department has fixed the internal process that allowed this document to be released before it was ready . '' The report was an unclassified assessment sent to law enforcement agencies . It was titled `` Rightwing Extremism : Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment . '' The mention of combat veterans surfaced on a conservative radio program earlier this month , and it drew the scorn of commentators and conservative members of Congress . Rep. John Carter , R -Texas , called on Napolitano to resign . Rehbein said Friday it is time to move forward . `` In the mind of the American Legion , I think her apology was sufficient , '' he said . `` The way the Vietnam veterans were treated once they came home , that 's what drives the sensitivity to this , because those things start small and then grow from there , and we need to make sure anytime something like that happens we need to step on that and make sure it goes away very quickly . ''
Homeland Security report says veterans may be targeted by right - wing groups . Homeland Security official apologizes for ` ` any offense caused by this document ' , says document was destroyed before it was ready . American Legion commander accepts apology , says it 's time to move on .