Pro- & Anti- Muslim Rallies in OKC

While an American Muslim girl sang the "Star Spangled Banner" inside the statehouse in Oklahoma City, about two dozen anti-Islamic protesters outside hurled insults at the group, mostly students, as they visited the Capitol to speak with lawmakers. There were no reports of violence.

"If they had a sword, they'd cut your head off," protesters shouted. Some carried signs saying "Islam equals Death." …

The "Oklahoma Muslim Day at the Capitol" was organized by the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and supported by the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma, whose members helped escort attendees into the Capitol and past the protesters. …

A few lawmakers in the socially conservative state have previously made statements against Muslims, including Republican Representative John Bennett, who has said Islam is "a cancer in our nation that needs to be cut out."