Pamela Geller, organizer of 'Draw Muhammad' contest, faces death threats

NEW YORK, May 7 (UPI) -- The organizer of the controversial "Draw Muhammad" contest in Texas is facing new threats from purported Islamic State militants calling for her "slaughter."

The New York Police Department's counterterrorism and intelligence bureaus are investigating threats against provocative blogger Pamela Geller, leader of the American Freedom Defense Initiative, known for its critical assessment of Islam.

Geller said she will not back down after the failed attack Sunday at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas in which two gunmen wounded a security guard before they were fatally shot by a police officer. The IS claimed responsibility after Elton Simpson and his roommate, Nadir Soofi, opened fire.

Geller said the IS wants her dead for defying Islamic laws by hosting the cartoon contest and exhibit depicting the prophet Muhammad. Authorities have not determined if there is a direct connection between the IS and the gunmen, but believe the men were inspired by the militant group.

"I knew what the stakes were when I started planning the cartoon contest. But it had to be done," she told The Washington Post. "The jihadis had to be shown that at least some Americans will not bow to violent intimidation."

The NYPD said it is investigating the threat posted on a site associated with the IS, also known as the ISIS, ISIL and Daesh. The statement said the Texas attack was "the beginning of our efforts." It said its "71 trained soldiers in 15 states" are ready to attack.

"Our aim was the khanzeer (swine) Pamela Geller and to show her that we don't care what land she hides in or what sky shields her; we will send all our Lions to achieve her slaughter," the statement said. "This will heal the hearts of our brothers and disperse the ones behind her. To those who protect her: this will be your only warning of housing this woman and her circus show. Everyone who houses her events, gives her a platform to spill her filth are legitimate targets."

Since the attack, Geller said her life has been "hectic." She's been accused of promoting hate speech and been called un-American. Wednesday, Geller and radical Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary squared off in an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. In a raucous verbal spat that lasted nearly 10 minutes, Choudary, Geller and Hannity shouted over each other, with Hannity finally telling Choudary, "you're evil and pathetic."

"I would retaliate if someone insulted my own mother, let alone the prophet," Choudary said.