WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Some estimates of the expected crowd outside the Islamic Community Center ran close to 1,000 people. However, according to initial reports, between 70 and 80 people showed up and they were reportedly outnumbered two to one by counter-demonstrators calling for tolerance.
Just some big guns in front of a mosque. Nothing to see here. #PHxMosque #NotMyAmerica pic.twitter.com/to5bjwmGMy
— Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) May 30, 2015
“There was a heavy police presence as the supporters from the two rallies converged near the mosque Friday evening,” according to an NBC News report. “Some waved American flags and one man held a ‘Stop Islam’ sign, while another held a sign reading ‘God is Love.’”
Police were seen standing in between the two groups, according to media.
Happening now in #Phoenix at the #PHxMosque protests. Two sides, police in the middle. pic.twitter.com/4tsd03Pr00
— Argus Streaming News (@argusnewsnow) May 30, 2015
The Facebook page advertising the event, called it “Freedom of Speech Rally Round II” and claimed it was being held in response to the May 3, 2015 attack in Garland, Texas by two armed terrorists.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
Former US Marine and event organizer Jon Ritzheimer claimed it was being held to uphold the right of free speech protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. However, on Facebook, he advised his followers to come ready to uphold the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms.
Calvin Holiday, Navajo, says even Indian religion was outlawed. #PHxMosque pic.twitter.com/CAHbUSlYjc
— Patty Talahongva (@WiteSpider) May 30, 2015
.@FOX10Phoenix > Shari'a & Violence in US Mosques > US will NOT submit to Shariah #Phoenix http://t.co/OTipMytyx3 pic.twitter.com/LXSN83rhpy
— Jonathan (@ad_iudicium1776) May 30, 2015
