‘Million Muslim March’ a Virtual No-Show in Nation’s Capital

WASHINGTON – A Million Muslim March that was scheduled for the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on American soil was a virtual no-show today in the nation’s capital as many opposed the selection of the date for the event.

As previously reported, the American Muslim Political Action Committee (AMPAC)—an organization that strives to “stimulate an active interest in Muslim Americans relating to political and governmental affairs”— had announced plans last month for a large Muslim rally in Washington, D.C. on September 11th. The “Million Muslim March” had been advertised as a “historic event” for “establishing the humanity and justice through civil rights.”

“We at AMPAC are planning an historic event for 9.11.13 where one million Muslims will march to Washington D.C. and demand that our civil rights be protected by our government,” an announcement on the organization’s website stated.

“We are demanding that laws be enacted protecting our 1st Amendment,” it continued. “We are asking President Obama to fulfill his promise from his first campaign for presidency of a transparent government. Lastly, we are asking for the release of the 9/11 commission report to the American people.”

View of National Mall Wednesday afternoon as event was underway.

The AMPAC statement also alleged that Muslims are continually “victimized” and “made the

villains” for the September 11th terrorist attacks, while “every media outlet and anti-Islamic organization has committed slanderous and libel statements against us as Muslims and our religion of Islam.”

“These lies told to the American population has made it impossible for us to do true Dawa [Islamic proselytization],” the announcement claimed. “Why do we have to defend our religion while doing Dawa? Why can’t we just share the perfection of the Quran and the beauty of our beloved Prophet Muhammad?”

AMPAC leaders generally believe that the U.S. is responsible for provoking recent terrorist attacks and ill will toward America. In a blog post earlier this year, Isa Hodge—project manager of the Million Muslim March—condemned the United States’ overseas war on terror as a “needless, unjustified and immoral” war “based on propaganda and false evidence” that has led to “the impoverishment of people throughout our nation as well as those devastated in the war zone.”

However, weeks later, the event was renamed “Million Americans Against Fear,” and according to the Huffington Post, police anticipated “somewhere in the hundreds, [but] not thousands, of participants.” The secular groups 9/11 Truth Movement and Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth also partnered with event organizers to join in the effort.

Additionally, numerous visitors to the event website expressed disgust at the selected date for the

Christian evangelists preach at the nation’s capital as Muslim march a virtual no-show.

gathering, commenting that it was “antagonistic” and meant to “rub salt in [the] wounds” of Americans. One Muslim visitor agreed.

“I think this does a disservice to those who were the victims of innocent bloodshed by holding this on the anniversary of this tragedy,” he wrote. “Not only does your message get lost due to the date, but you antagonize people and raise tensions for no reason.”

As the rally was set to take place today at noon, less than a dozen attendees were reported to be present. Conversely, several groups opposed to the march gathered in D.C., including a large throng of patriotic bikers and a number of Christian evangelists who traveled to Washington to share the word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with attendees.

The National Mall, which had been reserved for the gathering, was largely vacant throughout the day. A number of reporters and photographers were present, however, to capture the handful of event organizers assembled on the small stage set up on the lawn.