A security guard was reportedly shot at a Muhammad cartoon contest in Garland, Texas on Sunday, followed by the death of the two purported suspects. Additionally, the local bomb squad used robots to check a suspicious car for potential explosives. The event was hosted by American Freedom Defense Initiative and described as a "free speech" celebration, though one of its featured speakers was Geert Wilders — supposedly known for his "anti-Muslim views."
From AP, who had a reporter in attendance:
An officer dressed in SWAT gear took the stage toward the end of the event at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland and told attendees, including an Associated Press reporter, that a shooting had occurred. He said one officer and two suspects were shot.
It wasn't immediately clear if the shooting was related to the event.
Garland Police Department spokesman Joe Harn declined to confirm the SWAT officer's statements and said he had no details.
About 75 attendees were taken to another room. Later, a group of 48 people were escorted to a school bus. Authorities told attendees they would be taken to a nearby high school. A second group was set to be moved shortly after.
Johnny Roby of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was attending the conference. He told the AP he was outside the building when he heard around about 20 shots that appeared to be coming from the direction of a car passing by.
Roby said he then heard two single shots.
This story is developing.
