NBC News "ACT for America, which the Southern Poverty Law Center designates as an antiMuslim hate group, is spearheading several rallies across the country Saturday in what is slated to be the group’s largest protest against Islam.
"The "March Against Sharia" will take place in more than 20 cities, including New York, Dallas, and Atlanta.
"In New York City, about 100 protesters and more than 200 counterprotesters verbally clashed in downtown Manhattan Saturday morning, as police officers stood between the groups.
"The rally began with ACT for America supporters denouncing Sharia law and claiming that America was moving in the wrong direction.
"While they were were speaking, counterprotesters were trying to drown them out using bullhorns and noise makers. Some antiSharia demonstrators yelled, "Commie scum!," while counterprotesters shouted, "Nazis!," according to NBC New York.
"The nationwide “March Against Sharia” first gained widespread attention when the mayor of Portland, Oregon, moved to stop the local chapter from rallying. Ted Wheeler's decision came after two men were fatally stabbed as they tried to protect two women — one of whom was wearing a headscarf — from an antiMuslim tirade. " . . .