Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin appeared to link the deadly shooting at a San Diego mosque on Monday to the record-breaking 76-day Department of Homeland Security funding lapse while appearing on Fox News’ “Hannity” on Tuesday.

Speaking with host Sean Hannity, Mullin said that due to the shutdown — which ended when Trump signed a funding bill on April 30 — houses of worship couldn’t receive federal security assistance and were left to “hire their own security.”

“We have FEMA grants that they could use to help protect themselves,” Mullin said. “Unfortunately, for the last 76 days, we were shut down, so we’re just now getting those grants out. Until then, they have to hire their own security.”

Mullin made the remark after Hannity asked him what he would recommend that religious institutions do to keep worshippers safe.

Mullin appeared on “Hannity” in the wake of two teenage shooters opening fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, killing three people. The suspects, ages 17 and 18, were found nearby in a vehicle after killing themselves. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Watch Mullin’s appearance on “Hannity” below. Skip to the 8:00 mark to hear his comments.

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