With a heavy police presence standing between them, bikers and their supporters confronted defenders of a Phoenix mosque Friday night over a so-called "Freedom of Speech Rally Round II" featuring a "Draw Mohammad" contest.
Thrown together by former Marine Jon Ritzheimer, the event was reportedly "in response to the recent attack in Texas where 2 armed terrorist [sic], with ties to ISIS, attempted Jihad." The protest comes weeks after two men were killed by police after they attacked a similar event in Garland, Texas.
On the event Facebook page, Ritzheimer wrote, "This Islamic Community Center is a known place that the 2 terrorist [sic] frequented. People are also encouraged to utilize there [sic] second amendment right at this event just in case our first amendment comes under the much anticipated attack."
On Twitter, users commented on the event that many felt was needlessly provocative -- pointing out that Ritzheimer wears and sells t-shirts reading "F*ck Islam" -- by using the hashtag #NotMyAmerica, which drew tweets from both sides of the controversy.
Supporters of Ritzheimer attacked Islam or used the opportunity to state their belief that being criticized for the drawing contest was anti-1st Amendment and therefore un-American.
Defenders of the mosque criticized the biker group for bringing weapons to the protest, while accusing them of bigotry and hate.
Juan Rivera ( @jrivera64) made a point that shouldn't be forgotten about all religious fundamentalists:
