Protesters Heckle Texas Muslim Capitol Rally
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AUSTIN (AP) - Hundreds of Muslims are rallying as part of their biennial Texas Capitol lobbying day — but a small group of counter-protesters are trying to shout them down.
As organizers from the Council on American-Islamic Relations began Thursday's event, a woman grabbed a microphone erected on the Capitol steps and proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ.
The microphone was wrestled back and the rally continued peacefully. But nearby hecklers yelled things like "assimilate or go home."
Council Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll said the event began in 2003 and never drew opposition before. But this year, online threats prompted the council to contact the FBI.
Added police presence around the event was also conspicuous.
Last week, hundreds of protesters gathered outside a Muslim group's conference in a Dallas suburb and heckled participants.
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