Jon Ritzheimer–organizer of the Phoenix “Draw Muhammad” contest scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday night–will have to cut his own attendance at the event short in order to stay home and protect his family after his home address was published, and his wife and children were threatened.
Breitbart News previously reported that Ritzheimer’s event begins at 5 p.m. at Washington Park on N. 23rd Ave. Bikers are going to rally there and then go to the center’s mosque to hold a “Draw Muhammad” contest at approximately 6 p.m.
Ritzheimer made clear his intentions that “this is purely 100% a freedom of speech rally,” but he asked participants to be sure to bring a gun with them for protection in case attacked.
Now Ritzheimer’s own attendance at the contest is in jeopardy because someone posted his physical addres,s and threats against his wife and children ensued.
Ritzheimer posted the following on Facebook late on the 28th:
This is the America that you who are against me want. You condone threats made to me and my family over a stupid cartoon. I have made no threats. I am simply bringing to light that our freedom of speech is under attack and this proves my case. I don’t think anyone should have to go into hiding for doing anything peaceful. This is not an Anti Islam Rally. This is a Pro Freedom of Speech Rally so don’t let the media twist it. I admit that what I am doing is stupid but so is stomping on the American flag and I support their rights and freedom to do so. That’s what’s supposed to make our country great. I will be at the Rally for a short time only because my address has been posted and my family has been threatened. That should sadden any true American. I hope our law makers can earn their paychecks and come up with better legislation that reinforces our first amendment. Again, I am hoping peace can be maintained between all the parties planning to attend tomorrow. President Obama said “The future must not belong to those who insult Islam.” I am asking him to change his statement to The future must belong to those who have the FREEDOM to insult Islam if they want.” For those of you who are in support of this Rally, I thank you and I hope none of you have to endure what I am going through over this stupid rally.
Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.
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