(Image source from: U.S. to witness another Charlie Hebdo?})
Just few weeks after Texas attack, in which two gunmen opened fire at an event and killed by U.S. Police, Jon Ritzheimer, former marine conducted a rally in front of Phoenix Mosque.
The two gunmen are believed to visit the Mosque frequently. In that light Jon not only conducted the rally, but also encouraged people to be armed at the event.
"People are also encouraged to utilize (their) second amendment right at this event just (in case) our first amendment comes under the much anticipated attack," the event's Facebook page says.
However, the event has faced the wrath of many Muslim Communities in and around Phoenix.
"The Muslim community in America is here to stay and we are also well aware of the right to speak our mind and worship how we please," Dr. Yasir Shareef, a board member of the Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said at a press conference.
Events like this one and other developments have Muslims in the area scared, said Imraan Siddiqi with the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
"Recently, the mosques here in Phoenix actually received threatening letters -- very specific threats, saying that we are going to massacre your congregations," he said.
In the meanwhile, the White House has recorded its version about the whole.
"Even expressions that are offensive, that are distasteful, and intended to sow divisions in an otherwise tight-knit, diverse community in Phoenix cannot be used as a justification to carry out an act of violence," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.
So far, the event seemed to be attracting a variety of people.
- Manohar. M
