News

Two Gunmen Shot Dead at “Draw Muhammad” Event in Texas

Two Gunmen Shot Dead at “Draw Muhammad” Event in Texas

A police officer stands by a school bus used to evacuate attendees of the event under attack
A police officer stands by a school bus used to evacuate attendees of the event under attack

Two gunmen were shot dead at a “Draw Muhammad” exhibition in Garland, Texas on Sunday evening. The two men were killed after reportedly driving up to the Curtis Culwell Center, where the event was held, and opening fire on security officers.

According to reports, the first suspect was immediately shot, and the second shortly after. FBI and local officials searched the gunmen’s vehicles for explosives, however as of yet none have been found. The identities of the killed suspects have not yet been released.

In the initial altercation, an unarmed security guard was shot in the leg. He was later treated and released from hospital.

The 200-person event was described by its sponsor, The American Freedom Defense Initiative, as a “free speech event”, and involved a “Muhammad drawing contest” with a $10,000 prize. It included speakers such as Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who is known for his anti-Islam views.

The American Freedom Defense Initiative is listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a US civil rights organisation, as an active anti-Muslim hate group. The group said it received more than 350 submissions in response to its cartoon contest.

The event was under heightened security throughout, with extra officers hired by the district and the event organisers. Only pre-purchased ticket holders were admitted and had to undergo security checks before entering.

Joe Harn, a Garland police spokesman, commented: “We were prepared for something like this.”

The incident comes four months after the infamous Charlie Hebdo attacks, in which two gunmen stormed the Paris office of the satirical magazine known for publishing offensive images of the Prophet Muhammad. The attacks were strongly condemned by Muslim communities around the world.

Egypt has Highest Prevalence of Hepatitis C in the World: WHO
El Bernameg unlikely to make a comeback: Bassem Youssef

Subscribe to our newsletter


News
@daliaeldaba

Dalia is an Egyptian writer and journalist. Currently, she is particularly interested in raising awareness about the historical and current labour and feminist movements in the Arab world.

More in News

Eid Street Slaughters Will Result in EGP 3,000 Fine: Egypt’s Giza Governorate

Shereif Barakat5 June 2023

Baghdoda Breaks Silence: Escaped Egyptian Wrestler Makes Video Appearance

Shereif Barakat5 June 2023

US First Lady Visits the Pyramids, Promotes Empowerment of Egyptian Women and Youth

Egyptian Streets4 June 2023

Egypt, Israel Defense Ministers Discuss Border Gunfire Incident and Ways of Prevention

Marina Makary4 June 2023

Egyptian Officer and 3 Israeli Soldiers Dead After Border Gunfire Incident

Shereif Barakat3 June 2023

Pyramids, Citadel, and Other Tourist Spots Stop Accepting Cash Payments for Tickets

Omar Auf3 June 2023

Egyptian FM Flies to Turkey for President Erdogan’s Inauguration

Shereif Barakat3 June 2023

Egyptian Sandstorm Tragically Kills 1, Injures 5

Nadia Salem2 June 2023