Police Officer Kills Two Gunmen at Muhammed Cartoon Contest -- Security Today

Police Officer Kills Two Gunmen at Muhammed Cartoon Contest

The gunmen were carrying assault rifles and were eliminated before they could enter the contest in Garland, Texas

By Matt Holden
May 04, 2015

An attack on an art exhibit upsetting Muslims left two gunmen dead in Garland, Texas. The men wore body armor and approached the Curtis Culwell Center where they began shooting at a security guard with assault rifles, according to a report. A Garland Police Department officer returned fire, killing both gunmen.

Police have not said if the shooting was related to the event, which was hosted by the New York-based American Freedom Defense Initiative (AFDI) which would award $10,000 for the winner of the contest.

Pamela Geller, president of the AFDI, said the group spent thousands of dollars on private security guards.

One of suspects has been identified as Elton Simpson, a Phoenix-based civilian whose ties to terrorism have not been confirmed. It is believed Simpson’s roommate is the other suspect.

Police are searching a Phoenix apartment complex that is believed to be the home of the two suspects.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

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