Pamela Geller, Not Intimidated By Islamic State Group Threats, Promises To Host More Anti-Islam Events

Controversial blogger Pamela Geller -- whose recent "Draw Muhammad" event in Garland, Texas, resulted in the shooting of a security guard and the deaths of two gunmen who opened fire at the event -- says she realizes that the Islamic State group probably wants her dead because of her public stand against Islamic extremism. But she added that she plans to host similar events in the future.

Geller said that, unlike terrorists who love death, she loves life. She said that she knew what the stakes were when she planned the May 3 cartoon contest, but it had to be done. Geller said she has received death threats, but said in an email to the Washington Post that extremists had to be shown that at least some Americans would not bow to intimidation.

The New York Police Department is currently investigating threats against the blogger. One such threat was posted on a website connected to Islamic State group fighters. The threat said that the May 3 attack was just the beginning, and that extremists would send all their “lions” to slaughter Geller. It also said that anyone who gave Geller a platform to “spill her filth” would be their “legitimate targets.”

Geller previously said that she would not hesitate to host similar events in the future. The 56-year-old said that she would continue to speak “in defense of freedom” until her death.

Critics say the "Draw Muhammad" event unnecessarily antagonized the Muslim community, and that she invited violence by organizing such an event. Geller, nevertheless, said that extremists should be blamed for not being able to accept criticism.

A New York Times editorial said that millions of pious Muslims, who had nothing to do with terrorism, were consciously anguished by the cartoons related to their prophet. “As for the Garland event, to pretend that it was motivated by anything other than hate is simply hogwash,” it said.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au