Boyfriend of San Bernardino victim takes message of 'inclusion' to Washington

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Since the death of his partner in the San Bernardino shootings, a local man said the actions of the two killers should not reflect on the entire Muslim community, and now he's taking that message to Washington.

Ryan Reyes said he received a call from the White House last week inviting him to be one of the first lady's guests for the president's State of the Union address.

Since the death of his partner in the San Bernardino shootings, he has been speaking out about the need for tolerance.

Daniel Kaufman, 42, who ran the coffee shop at the Inland Regional Center, was one of the 14 people killed during the terrorist attack on Dec. 2.

Reyes has condemned the anti- Muslim comments he's heard in the aftermath of the shootings. He's said he's expressing feelings he and Kaufman both shared. He's calling for everyone to work together to solve problems.

"By embracing Muslims in general, the Muslim community is going to be more apt to help us get rid of the radicalized version, but if you ostracize them, you're no better than the radical groups in, my opinion, if you're ostracizing people for no reason," he said in a phone interview.

Kaufman's grieving boyfriend will be among about two dozen guests seated in Michelle Obama's box on Tuesday.

Reyes said he feels honored to be invited to the State of the Union address, and if he gets a chance to speak to President Obama, he will thank him for the steps he is taking to create positive change.

Anne Marie Teall, the 911 dispatcher who played a key role in directing the emergency response during the San Bernardino shooting, will also be in Washington for the president's speech. She was invited by Congresswoman Norma Torres.