Anti-Muslim Hate Rallies Met With Opposition Across the US

Police physically separated the groups from each other, but the protest was peaceful.

The demonstrations were held in more than two dozen US cities, including Oceanside and San Bernardino, California as well as Seattle, New York and Chicago. Those who showed up as counter-protesters did say they do not support the extremist views of Shariah law, but everyone has the right to practice whatever religion they want. However, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which tracks hate groups, calls it the largest American anti-Muslim group. Gabriel has said that a "practicing Muslim, who believes in the teachings of the Quran, can not be a loyal citizen to the #United States of America". Separated by a police barricade, the anti-sharia protesters, some of whom were also masked and carried handguns, sang "America the attractive". "We are here to say no we do not accept a fascist America, and Trump is the head of it".

But the counter-protesters say if the opponents of Shariah law are truly concerned about religious intolerance, they need look no further than the mirror. About twice as many counter-protesters marshaled across the street. "Officers arrested one woman and two men for obstructing".

Demonstrators who spoke to KCRA said the march was not anti-Muslim, and all backgrounds were welcome. Local activists set up an "Ask an American Muslim" booth where attendees could meet and learn about their Muslim neighbors. The gathering was conversation based; a lot of people were there chatting with each other and holding sings that said have a 'Blessed Ramadan, ' 'Peace Be Upon You, ' and a sign in Arabic that says: 'All are welcome here'. One person was arrested after having a confrontation with the anti-Sharia law group and Oceanside police.

In Atlanta, rally participants and a handful of counter-protesters appeared Saturday in Piedmont Park.

In St. Paul, Minnesota, state troopers arrested about a half-dozen people when scuffles broke out at the close of competing demonstrations at the state Capitol. "That doesn't mean we allow it today, too", he said.

Heather Frederick said she came to stand up against hatred toward the "most vulnerable people in our communities", like Muslims.

The Council for American Islamic Relations, however, called the ACT for America event "anti-Islam rallies" and urged people to respond with peaceful educational events and activities. "We are trying to stand up for our Muslim brothers and sisters without any violence whatsoever", one organizer said.

The Saturday rallies in Chicago occurred near a building developed by President Donald Trump.

But the overwhelming majority of Muslims don't want to replace USA law with Islamic law, known as Shariah, and only "radical extremist groups" would call for that, said Liyakat Takim, a professor of Islamic studies at McMaster University in the Canadian city of Hamilton, Ontario.