DEARBORN, Mich., April 30 (UPI) -- Police in riot gear prevented an angry crowd from rushing Florida Pastor Terry Jones as he spoke out against Islam in Dearborn, Mich.
Jones made his speech Friday on the steps of Dearborn City Hall, lashing out against Islam and President Barack Obama, although much of what he said was drowned out by a group of protesters across the street, the Detroit Free Press reported Saturday.
Jones allegedly provoked the crowd, and when angry protesters pushed past police barricades, dozens of police officers in riot gear stepped in to separate the two sides.
"His goal was to start trouble," said Dearborn Mayor John O'Reilly Jr. "That shows his real character."
O'Reilly said Jones is a troublemaker who promotes fear among Americans during a time of economic concern. His goal, O'Reilly said, is to make money for his Florida church.
"He's got an online business of creating fear and hatred," O'Reilly said.
Jones started his rally by saying parts of the United States, including Dearborn, are under Shariah, or Islamic law.
"We will not allow Shariah to be instituted" in the United States, Jones said.
Jones caused riots in Afghanistan and Pakistan when he announced he would burn a Koran at his Florida church earlier this year.
