Islamic Center In Irving: Armed Protesters Rally Outside Texas Mosque [Watch]
A rally outside a mosque in Texas, the Islamic Center in Irving, reportedly brought out armed protesters concerned about the “Islamization of America” and a national security threat posed by Syrian refugees.
Approximately 12 armed protesters assembled outside of the Texas mosque on Saturday. The event was reportedly scheduled after rumors that Syrian refugees could soon be coming to the region, and a push for sharia law was about to begin. The Irving Islamic Center protest was organized by David Wright, according to the Dallas Morning News.
“We do want to show force. We’re not sitting ducks,” Wright added.
Earlier this year, Irving, Texas, also garnered national headlines after “clock boy” Ahmed Mohamed took a homemade device to school that his teacher felt resembled a bomb. Mohamed and his family embarked on a tour around the country, including a visit at the White House with President Barack Obama, before moving to Qatar.
@SteveDeaceShowhttps://t.co/JaqQQ0tMOh looks like a lot of Cruz signs in the protest outside the mosque in Irvine Tx
— Some Guy (@graniteboyE) November 23, 2015
David Wright is part of the Bureau of American Islamic Relations group, the International Business Times reports. The group reportedly organized the protest quickly after hearing rumors both around the town of Irving and online, relating to sharia law and Syrian refugees. The gossip reportedly included comments that the Islamic Center in Irving was operating a sharia court inside of the mosque, and would be offering shelter to Syrian refugees.
According to Wright, the Irving Mayor Beth Duyne had received death threats from Muslims residents in the town. An investigation by the Dallas Morning News was unable to substantiate the death threat claims allegedly levied at the Texas mayor.
David Wright has reportedly clearly voiced that he does not want Syrian refugees stepping foot on American soil due to the potential ISIS terrorism and national security threat posed by the individuals. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, both FBI and CIA officials have voiced doubts that thorough vetting of the Syrian refugees can take place using current databases and a lack of verifiable identification documents submitted by the fleeing men, women, and children.
“We don’t want people to think we’re out to kill people or shoot people. It would be ridiculous to protest Islam without defending ourselves,” Wright said.
In a video of the rallying outside the Texas mosque, a man adorned in black is shown walking with his rifle during the peaceful protest. The faces of at least some of the armed protesters were reportedly covered during the Irving Islamic Center protest.
Yusuf Estes talks about #Islam and #Thanksgiving in #Islamic center of #Irvine #muslims and #nonmuslims are welcome pic.twitter.com/08w4SQ8S94
— ????????? (@abualbatul) November 30, 2013
A member of the Irving Islamic Center contacted city council David Palmer when the protesters began to rally outside the mosque. Palmer went to the location to determine if there was a safety concerns for the members of the center.
“My initial impression was they were using them for intimidation. I doubt that they’d be happy if some of the Muslim churchgoers here showed up at their Christian church, their Baptist church, their Methodist church tomorrow morning with rifles slung over their shoulders,” Palmer said.
At least 31 governors have issued formal statements indicating they are unwilling to accept Syrian refugee into their state. Most of the governors are Republican, as the vast majority of states are currently headed by GOP lawmakers. High ranking Democrats in Congress have also come out against President Obama’s Syrian refugees vetting process and the White House strategy to combat ISIS.
What do you think about the Irving Islamic Center protest and concerns that Syrian refugees pose terrorism and national security threats to Americans?
[Image via Shutterstock.com]
