On Sunday night, two gunmen attempting to attack a cartoon contest depicting the Prophet Muhammad were killed. The contest was held at the Culwell Event Center in North Garland, near Dallas, Texas.
The identities and religious affiliations of the gunmen are currently undisclosed; drawing Prophet Muhammad is considered blasphemy in the Islamic faith. The two gunmen exited their vehicle in front of the event center and opened fire with assault rifles. A security guard was shot in the leg, but the other security forces quickly subdued the gunmen. The injured guard received medical treatment at a hospital and was later released.
Douglas Athas, mayor of Garland, told CNN that, "the first suspect was shot immediately. The second suspect was wounded and reached for his backpack. He was shot again."
Officials believe that the two gunmen were the only ones involved in the attack, though law enforcement and federal agents are currently scanning the area for possible explosives.
The event host was the American Freedom Defense Initiative, which is labeled as an anti-Muslim group. Sunday's event, considered highly blasphemous for Muslims, had a first place prize of $10,000. Around 200 people were in attendance.
Officers stated that the event was heavily guarded. Security forces stated that they were prepared for such an attack. The facility was guarded by police officers as well as by other security forces brought by the American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI).
The Culwell Event Center is a public school facility. Pamela Geller, the president of the AFDI, attended the event. The venue was chosen because in January an Islamic conference called Stand with the Prophet in Honor and Respect was held there.
"This is a war. This is war on free speech. What are we going to do? Are we going to surrender to these monsters," wrote Geller on her website. "Two men with rifles and backpacks attacked police outside our event. A cop was shot; his injuries are not life-threatening, thank Gd. Please keep him in your prayers ... The war is here."
