A rally was held today at the capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Tom Wolf agreeing to allow Syrian refugees into Pennsylvania.
Protesters held signs behind speakers which read “TERRORIST INVASION NO REFUGEES” and “SECURE OUR BORDERS.” One sign read “Aiding a foreign invasion is treason.”
Titled the “No Refugees Rally,” the grass roots gathering attracted about 50 people inside the state capitol, plus one man on the capitol’s front steps wearing military fatigues, carrying a gun, and waving an American flag. He said he was there to protect his girlfriend and other protesters inside.
Speakers voiced their displeasure at Governor Wolf and President Obama for their belief the United States and Pennsylvania should continue to let refugees from Syria enter the country. The typical waiting period and vetting process for a refugee takes between 18 and 24 months. However, FBI Director James Comey has said the United States is unable to deliver background checks on every refugee.
Some protesters openly voiced their concern with Muslims and the Islam religion in general.
"Islam is based on Mohammad, and he was a murderer," said Dan Gray, who is listed on his social media profile as a constitutionalist. "Call me a bigot or racist, I don't care."
Sitting 15 feet away from the speakers sat Barry Shutt, a retired minister. He watched the rally silently from his folding chair. Next to him was a sign, which featured a bible verse ("I was a stranger and you invited me in...") and a message, which implored Americans to not let fear and prejudice overcome compassion.
"If we start doing things out of fear, they win," Shutt said of the terrorists, comparing the act of turning away refugees to the Japanese-American internment camps of the 1940's and treatment of Cuban refugees in 1980. "It's absurd to allow this to continue. It blows my mind. We're operating out of fear and we can't slam the door to people in need."
