Sparks fly at protest over burglar deaths

PASADENA, Texas, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A rally calling for the prosecution of a Houston-area man who shot two burglars turned into a noisy confrontation with the shooter's supporters.

A large group that included motorcyclists who gunned their engines tried to drown out Houston activist Quanell X Sunday as he urged authorities to file charges against Joe Horn in the slayings of two African-American burglars.

Horn, 61, shot Diego Ortiz and Miguel Antonio DeJesus last month when they allegedly tried to break into a home in his Pasadena neighborhood. The case has not yet been turned over to the district attorney for possible prosecution.

No arrests were reported, but Quanell X told the Houston Chronicle while he was not sure race played a role in the shooting, he was increasingly convinced it was following the reception he received Sunday.

Protesters said they were standing up for Horn's right to bear arms and protect property from criminals.