An armed biker gang. A mosque in Arizona. Cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. Itâs true; there are no more original ideas.
Recipe for disaster? We will see on Friday, May 29, when two biker gang members host whatâs being called the Freedom of Speech Rally II outside the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix.
Iâll make the popcorn!
Jon âScrappyâ Ritzheimer and Flash Nelson (who appears to be a woman) plan to hold the event in response to the hate-mongering cartoon contest that was held by anti-Muslim activist Pam Geller (and approximately 99 percent of the police force) on May 3 in Garland, Texas. That Muslim baiting event competition was interrupted by two armed men, Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi, who were allegedly Islamic State sympathizers. They opened fire outside the venue before being killed by security officers. Gellerâs next planned stunt is to plaster the winning cartoon all over D.C buses. What could possibly go wrong?
Ritzheimer says the biker gang is planning a âpeaceful protestâ (while encouraging attendees to show up armed)Â and a âdraw Mohammed contestâ outside the community center, where the Texas gunmen worshiped. In fact, in the Facebook invitation, organizers urge attendees to take full advantage of their Second Amendment right to carry weapons. So far,163 people have RSVPâd. Ritzheimer staged an anti-Islam protest two weeks ago, which drew little attention, before deciding to host this event; thus it being referred to as ROUND 2.
From the Facebook Event Page:
ROUND 2!!!!!!! This will be a PEACEFUL protest in front of the Islamic Community Center in Phoenix AZ. This is in response to the recent attack in Texas where 2 armed terrorist, with ties to ISIS, attempted Jihad. Everyone is encouraged to bring American Flags and any message that you would like to send to the known acquaintances of the 2 gunmen. This Islamic Community Center is a known place that the 2 terrorist 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.
1. Date will be Friday May 29th @ 6:15pm. This is when they normally host a large prayer.
2. Bikers wil (sic) meet at the Dennyâs located at 9030 N Black Canyon Hwy Phoenix, AZ 85051@ 5:00pm. Kick Stands up at 6pm.
3. There will be a Muhammad Cartoon Contest and the winner will be announced at the After Party. Participants must show cartoon at the Rally.
4. We will not have food vendors at this event because we donât want this to turn into a carnival. People can bring snacks and water but please keep the neighborhood clean.
5. There will be an after party starting at 8:30pm at Wild Bills located at 6840 N. 27th Ave Phx, AZ.
Thank you all for your Support. [sic]
Theyâre meeting at Dennyâs. Why is that funny?
In an interview with a reporter from television station KPNX, Ritzheimer defended his event and the T-shirts that will be worn by some of the protesters which re âF**k Islam,â (Question: How, exactly do you f**k a religion?)
A cursory glance at hisFacebookposts show that Ritzheimer is rabidly anti-Muslim. Ritzheimer has posted photos of himself waving an American flag while wearing the controversial T-shirt. He identifies himself as a former Marine and says that he works at Dysfunctional Veterans, which basically looks like a website for angry, bitter assholes, as evidenced by this quote from the KPNX interview:
âIâm a Marine and I am far from politically correct,â Ritzheimer said. âIâm outspoken and Iâve just had it.â Ritzheimer, who is an atheist, said he hopes to push âout the truth about Islam.â âItâs not that some people are out perverting this religion, itâs these guys are following their book as itâs written,â he said. Â
OH MY GAWD! Wake up, kook. There are far more âChristiansâ doing exactly that right now in the U.S. AND theyâre actively trying to slip it into our legislation. Iâd love to see a demonstration at some Evangelical churches and GOP presidential candidatesâ offices. How about it Scrappy and Flash? Jonâs an atheist. This should infuriate him.
Ritzherimer told the reporter that he doesnât âcondone any threats being made to the mosqueâ during his âFreedom of Speech Rally Round II.â But, of course, there will be guns.
Both Phoenix police and the FBI have been informed of the event, KPNX reported. Phoenix police reportedly refused to comment about what protocols are being implemented.
The president of the mosque where the cartoon contest and rally will be held, Usama Shami, said that he respected the protestorsâ right to exercise free speech. However, Shami said the members of the mosque have been told not to engage with Fridayâs protestors.
âEverybody has a right to be a bigot. Everybody has a right to be racist. Everybody has a right to be an idiot,â Shami stated âTheyâre not looking for an intellectual discussion. Theyâre looking to stir up a controversy and weâre not gonna be a part of it.â