The Islamic Community Center of Phoenix drew hundreds of protesters in May when law enforcement announced that the two men who had launched a failed attack on Pamela Geller’s Mohammad Art Exhibit and Contest in Garland, Texas, were regular worshipers at the center.
Today, anti-Islam groups organizing under the name “Global Rally for Humanity” planned protests “in every country at every mosque,” according to the group’s Facebook event page. We’d guess the groups fell short of that goal, although protesters set up events in at least 20 American cities.
One of those cities was Phoenix, where once again protesters assembled outside the Islamic Community Center. Reporters on the scene estimate a maximum turnout of 200 or so. A handful of Muslims and other counter-protesters appeared as well, although there were no events planned at the center on Saturday, so the protest took place in front of what was essentially an empty building.
Rally organizer Jon Ritzheimer says he does not hate anyone but says Islam is a dangerous religion pic.twitter.com/VM2cOAmMaf
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
Somebody had to be first.
The 1st Anti Islam protestor for the 10-10-15 rally planned for 9am. @phoenixpolice in place to ensure safety @abc15 pic.twitter.com/ztARN5RUF2
— MarnieMcKim (@MarnieMcKim) October 10, 2015
#tentenfifteen rally continues in #phx at the Islamic center of Phoenix pic.twitter.com/GzNUSqd6bq
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
An hour into the anti-Islam mosque rally, excited, but peaceful exchanges between both sides @abc15 pic.twitter.com/9jgxUtPKSz
— MarnieMcKim (@MarnieMcKim) October 10, 2015
Gay protestor says Islam does not welcome gays or feminists pic.twitter.com/gsYHhM6jsI
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
View from the 'pro-Islam' side pic.twitter.com/rLumlXuSBI
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
Catholic counter protestor says anti-Islam rally isn't Christ-like pic.twitter.com/l5RMrmN2Jm
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
Jon Ritzheimer's friend from Iraq on the megaphone, says he denounces Islam pic.twitter.com/0TW6ms8LW4
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
The event reportedly attracted a handful of neo-Nazis.
.@phoenixpolice turning away Neo nazis. Ritzheimer says "you're not with us" pic.twitter.com/realItprYx
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
Neo nazis being turned away again at another entrance pic.twitter.com/9T37zc69bR
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
.@phoenixpolice swiftly broke up a scuffle before things got out of control. Excuse the language pic.twitter.com/1FhxQ5pO63
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
Police have now lined up inside the barricades dividing the two sides pic.twitter.com/157HHnZs0p
— Ashley Thompson (@AshleyCBS46) October 10, 2015
So far 1 arrested, and several others asked to leave, at anti-Islam mosque rally @abc15 pic.twitter.com/3XvXNdS7Wx
— MarnieMcKim (@MarnieMcKim) October 10, 2015
Police said the arrest had nothing to do with the rally but was related to an outstanding warrant for one of the attendees.
Organizers of anti-Islam mosque rally calling it quits, @phoenixpolice having people move off to open street @abc15 pic.twitter.com/8QyzFbq4m1
— MarnieMcKim (@MarnieMcKim) October 10, 2015
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