Police shot dead two gunmen Sunday outside a Prophet Mohammed cartoon contest in Texas attended by controversial Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders, authorities said.
While no immediate claim of responsibility was made, similar depictions of the Prophet Mohammed prompted a shooting at French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo in January that killed 12.
US authorities are investigating the shooting and police said it was still unclear if the attack was related to the event.
The right-wing American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI) organized the event in a suburb of Dallas, featuring Wilders, who has been outspoken against Muslims and is targeted by radical groups.
Police said two men drove up to the conference center in Garland, Texas, and began shooting at a security guard.
"Garland Police officers engaged the gunmen, who were both shot and killed," the city of Garland said in a statement.
The security guard was shot in the ankle and was treated at a hospital and released, the city said.
Local police said the shootout lasted "seconds," and organizers said they had prepared extra security for the event due to the general risk of an attack.
Wilders has also long been targeted by Islamists because of his extreme views on Islam.
"I am shocked. I just spoke for half an hour about the cartoons, Islam and freedom of speech and I had just left the premises," Wilder told AFP in an email.
"This is an attack on the liberties of all of us!" Wilders wrote, adding: "I hope it is not connected to death list (of) Al-Qaeda." He added that he was safe with police.
The Dutch politician said he is returning to the Netherlands Monday but would come back to the United States next week for another speaking engagement.
Prophet Mohammed cartoons
Many Muslims find depictions of the Prophet Mohammed offensive and such cartoons have triggered violent protests. The Danish daily Jyllands-Posten published 12 satirical cartoons in 2005, triggering deadly protests in some Muslim countries.
Cartoon images of the Prophet Mohammed were also published in French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, where Islamist gunmen killed 12 people in January.
The identities of Sunday's shooters has yet to be confirmed, but the SITE Intelligence Group reported that an Islamic State (IS) fighter claimed on Twitter that the shooting was carried out by two pro-IS individuals.
In a series of tweets and links, a jihadist named as Abu Hussain AlBritani, which SITE said was British IS fighter Junaid Hussain, claimed that "2 of our brothers just opened fire" at the Prophet Muhammad exhibition in Texas.
"They Thought They Was Safe In Texas From The Soldiers of The Islamic State," added the tweet.
About 200 people were inside the event, said local police spokesman Police spokesman Joe Harn.
He said the first suspect was shot dead immediately, while the second was shot after reaching for his backpack.
Police said they suspect the gunmen's vehicle may contain an "incendiary device" and a bomb squad was on the scene.
"The bodies are still outside near the car. Once that car is cleared then we'll take care of the bodies," he told reporters.
AFDI, criticized for promoting anti-Islamic views, offered a $10,000 prize for the winner of the cartoon contest that was billed as a "free speech" event.
AFDI co-founder and political activist Pamela Geller called the shootings a "war on free speech."
"What are we going to do? Are we going to surrender to these monsters?" she wrote on her website.
"The war is here."
Speaking to Fox News, she added: "The idea we are going to bridge our freedom, our most basic inalienable right in order to not offend savages is egregious, it is outrageous.
AFP
Mon May 04 2015
A picture courtesy of Dutch Member of Parliament Geert Wilders shows members of a US SWAT team posing for a photo with Geert Wilders (C) prior to the shooting in Texas. - AFP PHOTO / HAND OUT
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.