Anti-Sharia clash in NYC
Arrest & injury at protests
Cops arrested four people Saturday while keeping anti-Trump protesters and opponents of Sharia law from coming to blows in lower Manhattan.
One man collapsed during the event in Foley Square, as he provided security for protesters demonstrating against what they see as the spread of the fundamentalist Islamic law in the United States. No other serious injuries were reported.
The anti-Islamic law group, ACT for America, organized a series of protests Saturday in 18 states.
Group members in New York carried signs that read, “Sharia is anti-freedom” and “Real feminists march for all women.” Some carried signs sup- porting President Trump.
“Don’t make us like Europe. Europe is under attack now,” said anti-Sharia protester Tara Hepler, 25, a student from New Paltz.
“It’s important to protect America and American laws,” Hepler said.
“We have a right to be safe and to protect the Constitution and to protect the citizens.”
ACT for America protesters faced an un-permit- ted counterprotest by people who tried to shout them down. At least one of their signs read, “Fascists out of NYC.”
One man was arrested after he knocked a “Make America Great Again” cap off a man’s head.
Police broke up several confrontations between members of the groups.
The four arrests were for minor infractions — loitering and unlawful possession of a defense spray.
Robin Aquia, 35, of The Bronx, took part in the counterprotest.
“I support everyone to be free in their choice of religion and I don’t want white supremacists in my town,” Aquia said. “It’s just a shameless attempt to threaten Muslims in this country.”
Desiree Bernstein, who identified herself as a member of a “9/11 family” was among the anti-Sharia demonstrators.
“If you love freedom, God and country, this is the side to be on,” she said.
Frank Morganthaler (pictured, far left), state vice president of the Oath Keepers group, tumbled over as he stood guard at the rally.
He was taken by ambu- lance to New York Presbyterian Hospital Downtown, where he was treated and then released.